Glycocalyx strengthens endothelial barrier function and protects from angioedema inducing compounds
Anna Reich1, Emily Lehnert1, Raphael Möhrle1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
Frontiers in Immunology
|March 30, 2026
Summary
The endothelial glycocalyx plays a protective role in preventing edema by maintaining vascular integrity. Its degradation increases permeability, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker for angioedema.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hereditary angioedema (HAE) and mast cell-mediated angioedema involve episodic swelling.
- Atypical HAE variants are poorly understood and diagnostically challenging.
- Investigating the endothelial glycocalyx may reveal novel biomarkers for angioedema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the endothelial glycocalyx in regulating vascular permeability.
- To explore the glycocalyx's potential as a biomarker for angioedema.
Main Methods:
- Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) underwent enzymatic glycocalyx degradation.
- Glycocalyx integrity was assessed via WGA assays, ELISAs, and qPCR.
- Endothelial barrier function was measured using TEER, dextran permeability, and water flux (D2O dilution).
Main Results:
- Enzymatic degradation of the glycocalyx reduced endothelial barrier integrity.
- Histamine, but not bradykinin or serotonin, reduced glycocalyx integrity.
- Glycocalyx degradation exacerbated mediator-induced water permeability, indicating a protective role.
Conclusions:
- The endothelial glycocalyx is crucial for maintaining vascular barrier function.
- Glycocalyx dysfunction may contribute to edema formation in angioedema.
- The glycocalyx shows potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for angioedema.
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