Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Monitoring Changes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells upon Viral Infection Using Impedance-Based Real-Time Cell Analysis
07:56

Monitoring Changes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells upon Viral Infection Using Impedance-Based Real-Time Cell Analysis

Published on: May 5, 2023

343

Endothelial inflammation in COVID-19

Peter Libby1

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 disrupts endothelial function, leading to complications in multiple organs. This dysfunction is a key factor in the severe illness associated with the disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is a critical factor in cardiovascular and systemic diseases.
  • The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has highlighted its impact on various organs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
  • To understand how SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts vascular health and contributes to multiorgan complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on COVID-19 and endothelial function.
  • Analysis of clinical and experimental studies investigating vascular markers in COVID-19 patients.
  • Pathophysiological examination of viral interactions with endothelial cells.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 directly infects endothelial cells, triggering inflammation and cell death.
  • COVID-19 is associated with widespread endothelial activation, impaired vasodilation, and a prothrombotic state.
  • Evidence suggests endothelial injury contributes to acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocarditis, kidney injury, and neurological complications.

Conclusions:

  • Disrupted endothelial function is a central mechanism driving the multiorgan manifestations of COVID-19.
  • Targeting endothelial dysfunction may offer therapeutic strategies for mitigating COVID-19 severity and long-term sequelae.

More Related Videos

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response12:50

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response

Published on: September 15, 2017

6.5K
A Microphysiological System to Study Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Interaction during Inflammation12:55

A Microphysiological System to Study Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Interaction during Inflammation

Published on: December 9, 2021

3.2K

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
2
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
2
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
2
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
52.7K
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
2
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
2.7K