Targeting endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Endothelial Function
• Vascular Homeostasis

Background:

• The vascular endothelium regulates vascular tone, remodeling, inflammation, and atherogenesis via vasoactive molecules.
• An imbalance between relaxing and contracting factors leads to endothelial dysfunction, a key factor in aging and cardiometabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation are central mechanisms driving endothelial dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review therapeutic strategies targeting endothelial oxidative stress and inflammation.
• To highlight pharmacological agents and physiological factors that can improve endothelial function.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on endothelial dysfunction and its therapeutic targets.
• Analysis of pharmacological agents including cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors, bone morphogenic protein 4 inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ agonists, and glucagon-like peptide 1-elevating drugs.
• Consideration of physiological factors like hemodynamic forces.

Main Results:

• Oxidative stress and inflammation are pivotal in endothelial dysfunction.
• Several pharmacological agents show therapeutic potential by targeting these pathways.
• Physiological factors, such as hemodynamic forces, can also positively modulate endothelial function.

Conclusions:

• Targeting endothelial oxidative stress and inflammation is a promising therapeutic approach for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
• Pharmacological interventions and physiological modifications offer viable strategies to restore endothelial function.