Endothelial function and atherosclerosis: circulatory markers with clinical usefulness [funcionalidade endotelial e aterosclerose: marcadores sanguíneos com utilidade clínica]

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

F. Ribeiro (Author) Other; A. J. Alves (Author) Other; M. Teixeira (Author) Other; V. Ribeiro (Author) Other; J. A. Duarte (Author) FADEUP; J. Oliveira (Author) FADEUP

Journal

Title: Boletim da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia

Vol. 28

Pages: 1121-1151

ISSN: 0304-4750

Publisher: Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 36 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-RZK

Abstract (EN): The healthy endothelium secretes and expresses at the surface various molecules which help maintain vascular wall structure and vascular homeostasis, as well as regulating vascular tone and leukocyte traffic. In response to various aggressive stimuli, the endothelial cell modulates its properties to restore vascular homeostasis. Usually, changes in the endothelial cell phenotype are transient and do not compromise the subsequent re-establishment of endothelial function. However, in certain pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, endothelial function is chronically disturbed, and this alteration is a critical step in the progression of the disease. In recent years, advances in knowledge have improved our understanding of the physiopathology of atherosclerosis, which is now known to be a dynamic and progressive process proceeding from endothelial dysfunction and inflammation of the vascular wall. The evolution and prognosis of atherosclerosis, along with the efficacy of therapeutic modalities, can be assessed by measuring the circulating levels of various biomarkers expressed or released by the endothelium. The purpose of this review is to reappraise the evidence concerning endothelial function under physiological conditions and in atherosclerosis, and to analyze markers of endothelial function with clinical applicability.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 31