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Published in:

01-09-2008 | INVITED REVIEW

The role of inflammatory cytokines in endothelial dysfunction

Author: Cuihua Zhang, MD, PhD

Published in: Basic Research in Cardiology | Issue 5/2008

Abstract

Clinical and experimental data support a link between endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines are important protagonists in formation of atherosclerotic plaque, eliciting effects throughout the atherosclerotic vessel. Importantly, the development of atherosclerotic lesions, regardless of the risk factor, e.g., diabetes, hypertension, obesity, is characterized by disruption in normal function of the endothelial cells. Endothelial cells, which line the internal lumen of the vasculature, are part of a complex system that regulates vasodilation and vasoconstriction, growth of vascular smooth muscle cells, inflammation, and hemostasis, maintaining a proper blood supply to tissues and regulating inflammation and coagulation. Current concepts suggest that the earliest event in atherogenesis is endothelial dysfunction, manifested by deficiencies in the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin. The focus of this review is to summarize recent evidence showing the effects of inflammation on vascular dysfunction in ischemic-heart disease, which may prompt new directions for targeting inflammation in future therapies.

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Title: The role of inflammatory cytokines in endothelial dysfunction
Author: Cuihua Zhang, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-09-2008
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: Basic Research in Cardiology / Issue 5/2008
Print ISSN: 0300-8428
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1803
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00395-008-0733-0

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