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Endothelial Function Biomarkers in Hypertension

Panayotis K Vlachakis1, Panagiotis Theofilis1, Efstathios Manios2

  • 11st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|May 6, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of death, driven by endothelial dysfunction. Biomarkers from blood and imaging can detect this dysfunction early, aiding diagnosis and treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biomarker Research
  • Hypertension Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Hypertension (HTN) is a critical cardiovascular risk factor responsible for millions of deaths annually.
  • The pathophysiology of HTN involves complex mechanisms, notably endothelial dysfunction characterized by imbalances in vasoactive substances and inflammation.
  • Early detection of HTN and its complications is vital for effective management and prevention of long-term adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of endothelial function biomarkers in the early detection and understanding of hypertension.
  • To identify key blood- and imaging-based biomarkers indicative of endothelial dysfunction in HTN.
  • To assess the potential of these biomarkers in guiding diagnosis and treatment strategies for hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on biomarkers associated with endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.
  • Identification of blood-derived biomarkers such as nitric oxide (NO), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and endothelial microparticles.
  • Inclusion of imaging-based biomarkers like flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and coronary flow reserve (CFR).

Main Results:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is a central feature of HTN, contributing to elevated blood pressure and vascular damage.
  • Various blood and imaging biomarkers can effectively indicate inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular injury in HTN.
  • These biomarkers, alongside blood pressure measurements, enhance early diagnosis and provide insights into disease mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Biomarkers of endothelial function hold significant promise for the early detection and improved management of hypertension.
  • Further large-scale, prospective studies are required to fully validate these biomarkers for widespread clinical application.
  • The integration of biomarker analysis with BP monitoring can refine diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment approaches for cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:
Endothelial functionbiomarkerscardiovascular diseasehypertensionnitric oxide.personalized medicine

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