Krzysztof Jakimów, Jakub Ciesielka, Sara Grzesińska, Michał Piotrowski, Klaudia Bontor, Bożena Gabryel

Factors affecting the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction

 

2025-07-23

Subject of study. The vascular endothelium is a vital tissue in the human body that lines the lumen of blood and lymphatic vessels. It comprises a single layer of cells that form a barrier separating the flowing blood from the vascular musculature. Not only does it regulate the blood flow and participate in the coagulation process, but it also acts as an endocrine organ secreting numerous molecules and plays a role in an immune response.

The goal of the study. This review aims to summarize the knowledge about vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Methodology. The literature review was provided using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.

Discussion. Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in many diseases. Hyperglycemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, inflammation, the aging process, and pro-atherogenic shear stress are the main factors impairing the normal function of endothelial cells. Oxidative stress may lead to endothelial dysfunction via reduced NO bioavailability, inflammation, impaired mitochondrial metabolism, and glycocalyx degradation. Those conditions have a negative impact on the vasodilating abilities of endothelial cells and promote inflammation. Dysfunction of the endothelium is also associated with exposure to small (+4 dynes/cm2) and oscillatory shear stress due to activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Endothelial cells are also susceptible to ionizing radiation, which can cause accelerated senescence, correlated with chronic inflammation, and reduction in the tightness of cell junctions or apoptosis. Dyslipidemia and acidosis may lead to a pro-inflammatory state and vasoconstriction. Additionally, this condition dysregulates cellular metabolism, especially glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Hypomagnesemia, likewise, may promote inflammation and impair the redox balance of endothelium.

Conclusions. The function of the endothelium is highly dependent on environmental conditions. Its function may be impaired by oxidative stress, shear stresses, ionizing radiation, acidosis, hypomagnesemia, and disruption of the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting endothelial dysfunction.

Keywords: endothelium, endothelial cell, shear stress, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis.

© Farm Pol, 2024, 80(12): 817–827