Endothel.de -
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Q: What
is the need for this presentation? The
characterization of endothelial dysfunction (ED) tremendously affects
cardiology. It may lead to an earlier and more specific diagnosis yielding a
better therapy or even prevention of atherothrombotic
events. Endothelial dysfunction consistently accompanies cardiovascular risk
factors, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure as well as coronary artery
disease itself. The interface between blood, vascular muscle cells and
autonomic nerve terminals seems to be poorly understood. Therefore,
proliferation of knowledge about this condition is seemingly need. Q: What
are characteristics of endothelial dysfunction? Higher
vascular tone/afterload/blood pressure due to a
lack of endothelial derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide). Less agonistic
NO-stimulation including less flow-mediated dilation. Expression of surface
proteins such as von Willebrand Factor affecting
coagulation, changes in activation of membrane-bound enzymes such as ACE
amongst othe . Q: What
are causes of endothelial dysfunction? Endothelial
cells are adversely reacting to permanent elevations of cholesterol, oxidant
stress, and glucose amongst others. In women, the cessation of vasoprotective hormones such as estrogen
during menopause may lead to endothelial dysfunction. Generally, many
hormones, peptides and metabolites interfere with endothelial function or
smooth muscle responsiveness to endothelial factors. Endothelial dysfunction
is arbitrarily defined as a poor, absent or paradox response of vascular
smooth muscle cells to endothelium-dependent vasodilators. However, vascular
tone is also determined by the autonomic nervous system. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Endothel.de - Fostering Endothelial Research. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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