Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming of Vascular Endothelial Cells and Its Implication in Development of Atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Metabolic Disease Research
• Endothelial Cell Biology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• Damage to vascular endothelial cells (VECs), the blood vessel lining, initiates AS.
• VECs rely on aerobic glycolysis, but diseases alter this metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review how VEC glucose metabolism reprogramming promotes AS.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms linking altered VEC metabolism to AS pathogenesis.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for AS prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on VEC glucose metabolism and AS.
• Analysis of molecular pathways involved in VEC metabolic reprogramming.
• Synthesis of evidence linking VEC dysfunction to AS progression.

Main Results:

• Altered VEC glucose metabolism reprogramming is central to AS development.
• This reprogramming induces VEC barrier dysfunction, affecting endothelial integrity.
• It also influences VEC autophagy, inflammatory responses, and proliferation, contributing to AS.

Conclusions:

• VEC glucose metabolism reprogramming is a key driver of atherosclerosis.
• Targeting VEC metabolic pathways may offer novel strategies for AS treatment.
• Further research into these mechanisms could yield new therapeutic interventions.