Assessment of endothelial function. History, methodological aspects, and clinical perspectives
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1Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
Insights
Endothelial function assessment in atherosclerotic coronary arteries began in 1986. This review details the history and methods for measuring endothelial function, crucial for understanding vascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
- Diagnostic Methods
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in atherosclerosis.
- Early assessments of endothelial function in coronary arteries date back to 1986.
- Understanding endothelial function is vital for cardiovascular disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of endothelial function assessment methods.
- To discuss methodological challenges and advancements in measuring endothelial function.
- To explore the clinical implications and perspectives of endothelial function evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging techniques for assessing endothelial function.
- Includes methods like coronary angiography, Doppler flow wire, plethysmography, flow-mediated dilation, reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry, and oscillometric methods.
- Focus on techniques applicable in human studies.
Main Results:
- Multiple methods have been developed and refined since 1986 for human endothelial function assessment.
- Each method presents unique advantages and limitations regarding accuracy, invasiveness, and clinical applicability.
- The evolution of these techniques reflects progress in understanding vascular physiology.
Conclusions:
- Accurate assessment of endothelial function is critical for diagnosing and managing atherosclerotic diseases.
- Continued methodological refinement is necessary to improve clinical utility.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for researchers and clinicians in vascular medicine.
Abstract:
In 1986, endothelial function was measured for the first time in patients with atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Since then, several methods for assessment of endothelial function, such as endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by intra-arterial infusion of vasoactive agents using coronary angiography, Doppler flow guide wire, mercury-filled Silastic strain-gauge plethysmography, flow-mediated vasodilation, reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry, and vascular response using an oscillometric method have been performed in humans. This review focuses on the assessment of endothelial function, including measurement history, methodological issues, and clinical perspectives.
