[Endothelial diseases and endothelium-protective agents]

Endothelial dysfunction plays the key role in the development of cardiovascular system disorders. Using certain markers it is possible to evaluate the endothelial function alterations and in this way to propose the disease prognosis. Recently the number of information concerning possible reversibility of these changes and the pharmacological intervention increases. Partial data about endothelium protective properties of ACE inhibitors, hypolipidemics, pentoxifyllin, Ca2+ channel blockers, lazaroids, glycosaminoglycanes exist. In experimental conditions it is possible to evoke endothelial dysfunction and evaluate the effects of these substances. Glycosaminoglycan sulodexide reduced endothelial losses at in vitro conditions of vessel perfusion on the model of endothelium damage by vasoconstrictive stimuli. Further evidence of these substances efficacy is required for the clinical evaluation of their endothelium protective properties. The research direction in this field will certainly provide such information concerning the endothelial function moderation which may be able to change the strategy of vascular diseases pharmacotherapy. (Tab. 5, Ref. 66.)