Linking endothelial dysfunction with endothelial cell activation
James K. Liao
James K. Liao
Published February 1, 2013
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2013;123(2):540-541. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI66843.
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Linking endothelial dysfunction with endothelial cell activation

Abstract

The thin layer of cells that lines the interior of blood vessels, known as the endothelium, plays a complex role in vascular biology. The endothelium mediates blood vessel tone, hemostasis, neutrophil recruitment, hormone trafficking, and fluid filtration. Endothelial dysfunction, as defined by a lack of NO, has been linked to a variety of disease states, including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Indeed, restoration of endothelial function is one of the earliest recognizable benefits of statin therapy. In 1995, James Liao and colleagues published a study in the JCI demonstrating that NO is a vascular protective factor that limits endothelial activation and prevents leukocyte adhesion to the vessel wall.

Authors

James K. Liao

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Figure 1

Role of endothelial dysfunction and endothelial cell activation in vascular disease.

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Role of endothelial dysfunction and endothelial cell activation in vascu...
Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and oxidative stress, are important mediators of endothelial dysfunction, while proinflammatory cytokines, turbulent flow, and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are important mediators of endothelial cell activation via the activation of the transcription factor, NF-κB. NO from eNOS or NO donors reduces endothelial cell activation through inhibition of NF-κB. Loss of NO leads to increased endothelial cell activation. Likewise, endothelial cell activation can cause endothelial dysfunction. Both endothelial dysfunction and endothelial cell activation lead to atherosclerosis and vascular disease by increasing vasoconstriction, SMC proliferation, platelet aggregation, leukocyte adhesion, LDL oxidation, and MMP activation.