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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
06:35
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
Published on: April 27, 2016
Cytokines and growth factors in endothelial dysfunction
1Department of Physiology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Critical Care Medicine
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Growth factors and cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) significantly impact endothelial function. These factors, along with free radicals, contribute to endothelial dysfunction during ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Endothelial Biology
- Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Background:
- Ischemia-reperfusion injury causes rapid endothelial dysfunction, impairing vasodilator responses.
- This dysfunction is characterized by reduced endothelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide) release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical interrelationships between growth factors and cytokines on endothelial function.
- To examine the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in endothelial dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Studied endothelial dysfunction in coronary and mesenteric artery rings following ischemia-reperfusion.
- Assessed the effects of cytokines, TGF-β, and free radicals on endothelial function.
Main Results:
- Oxygen-derived free radicals and TNF contribute to endothelial dysfunction by reducing nitric oxide availability.
- TGF-β and superoxide dismutase can preserve endothelial integrity during ischemia-reperfusion.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial dysfunction is an early and critical event in ischemia-reperfusion injury.
- This phenomenon occurs in both coronary and mesenteric circulations.
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