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[Potential role of the endothelium in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis]
B K Budziszewska1, E Wasak-Szulkowska
1Kliniki Chorób Wewnetrznych i Hematologii z Ośrodkiem Transplantacji Szpiku Instytutu Chorób Wewnetznych CSK WAM.
The endothelium has an unique role at the interface of the blood and the tissues. It is involved in numerous homeostatic function, metabolism of lipoproteins, regulation of vascular tone and plays a role in the immune response. Due to its anatomic position, the endothelium is a primary target for injuries and atheromatosis risk factors. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and smoking can alter endothelial function. A reduced release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide and an enhanced liberation of endothelium-derived contracting factors such as endothelin are common findings in the presence of atherosclerosis risk factors. These alterations of endothelial function are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis as well as progression and complications of atherosclerosis.
The endothelium has an unique role at the interface of the blood and the tissues. It is involved in numerous homeostatic function, metabolism of lipoproteins, regulation of vascular tone and plays a role in the immune response. Due to its anatomic position, the endothelium is a primary target for injuries and atheromatosis risk factors. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and smoking can alter endothelial function. A reduced release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide and an enhanced liberation of endothelium-derived contracting factors such as endothelin are common findings in the presence of atherosclerosis risk factors. These alterations of endothelial function are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis as well as progression and complications of atherosclerosis.