Endothelial Cell Dysfunction: Onset, Progression, and Consequences

Abstract

Endothelial cell dysfunction is a complex process involving various causes, early and late events, and subsequent consequences. This review provides an overview of each aspect and outlines therapeutic interventions targeting these stages. Causes of endothelial dysfunction encompass a spectrum of risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic predispositions. Early events such as endothelial activation, inflammatory response, and dysregulated vasomotor tone precede late events like oxidative stress, endothelial apoptosis, and microvascular rarefaction. The consequences include endothelial remodelling, neovascularization, organ dysfunction, and clinical manifestations, highlighting the diverse impacts across multiple systems. While depicted linearly, the progression of endothelial dysfunction is dynamic, influenced by various factors such as the underlying cause and affected vascular bed. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for tailoring therapeutic interventions, ranging from lifestyle modifications to targeted therapies, to address the underlying causes and effects effectively. Here we provide comprehensive understanding of endothelial cell dysfunction that is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of this dysregulation on health and cardiovascular diseases progression.