Med. praxi. 2011;8(3):119-122

Endothelial dysfunction - the first stage of atherosclerosis

MUDr.Michal Vrablík, Ph.D., Michaela Janotová, MUDr.Eva Motyková, MUDr.Martina Prusíková

III. interní klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha

Endothelial cells are not only a mechanical barrier but also form metabolically very active tissue regulating vascular tone, permeability

and other vascular functions. Functional impairment of endothelial layer (endothelial dysfunction) initiated by a number of mechanical,

physical, chemical and immunological factors, is the beginning of vascular changes, which might result in atherotrombotic complications.

Endothelial dysfunction can be assessed by various methods, however, these are not being routinely used in clinical practice as they yield

widely variable results. Nevertheless, the methods help us understand the mechanisms, through which both non- and pharmacological

treatments induce restitution of endothelial function and, thus, reduce risk of development of subsequent stages of atherosclerosis.

Keywords: endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, prevention

Published: March 23, 2011  Show citation