Vascular endothelium

Vascular endothelium is a single-layered layer of cells lining the inner surface of blood and lymph vessels. This is not just a ‘coating’, but an active endocrine organthat plays a key role in regulating vascular tone, hemostasis, immune response and metabolism.

1. Structure and functions of the endothelium

🔹 Endothelial anatomy

It consists of endothelial cellsEndothelial cells are the cells of the inner lining of blood vessels. They play an important role in the process of tissue respiration and metabolism. (ECS) tightly connected to each other.
In the capillaries — a thin layer (facilitates metabolism).
In the arteries — more dense and layered (withstands high pressure).

, Main functions

Регуля Regulation of vascular tone (synthesis of NO, prostacyclin, endothelin).
✅ Control of blood clotting (balance between thrombosis and anticoagulation).
✅ Immune defense (participation in inflammation, white blood cell adhesion).
Бар Barrier function (selective nutrient permeability).
Анг Angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels).

2. Key molecules released by the endothelium

Molecule	Effect	Impairment in Dysfunction
Nitric Oxide (NO)	Vasodilation, antiplatelet effect	Hypertension, atherosclerosis
Endothelin-1	Vasoconstriction, SMC proliferationProliferation is the process of cell multiplication, increasing tissue volume. It underlies the growth and differentiation of tissues during individual development, ensures the renewal of cells and intracellular structures. Cell proliferation is a process by which a cell grows and divides to form two daughter cells.	Vasospasm, hypertension
Prostacyclin (PGI2)	Reduction of platelet aggregation	Thrombus formation
von Willebrand Factor (vWF)	Involvement in blood clotting	Bleeding or thrombosis
Angiotensin-II	Vasoconstrictive action	Arterial hypertension

3. Endothelial dysfunction: causes and consequences

🔹 Causes of endothelial damage

Oxidative stress (free radicals).
Hyperglycemia (in diabetes).
Hyperlipidemia (LDL is oxidized and damages the walls of blood vessels).
Smoking, alcohol.
Hypodynamia (lack of blood flow).
Chronic inflammation (C-reactive protein, IL-6).

Последствия Consequences of dysfunction

Atherosclerosis (accumulation of cholesterol plaques).
❌ Arterial hypertension (reduced NO production).
Тром Thrombosis and heart attacks (violation of the coagulation balance).
Иш Organ ischemia (deterioration of microcirculation).

4. How to improve the condition of the endothelium?

① Pharmacological methods

Statins (reduce LDL oxidation, increase NO).
ACE inhibitors (reduce angiotensin-II).
Calcium antagonists (relax blood vessels).
L-arginine (a precursor of NO).

② Non-medicinal methods

Exercise (increases blood flow and NO synthesis).
Антиоксид Antioxidants (vitamins C, E, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol).
✅ Omega-3 fatty acids (reduce inflammation, improve vascular elasticity).
✅ Quitting smoking and alcohol.
✅ Control of sugar and cholesterol.

Перспектив Promising methods

Stem cell therapy (endothelial repair).
Gene therapy (increased expression of eNOS, an enzymeEnzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions in the body. They ensure the occurrence of metabolic processes such as food digestion, energy release, cell formation, and many others. that synthesizes NO).

5. Diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction

🔬 Non-invasive methods:

Plethysmography (assessment of blood flow).
Ultrasound with reactive hyperemia (brachial artery dilation test).
Blood test for markers (endothelin-1, vWF, ADMA).

🔬 Invasive methods:

Coronary angiography (assessment of the state of the heart vessels).

6. Withdrawal

Vascular endothelium is the ‘intellectual layer’ of blood vessels, which determines:
✔ Blood pressure.
✔ Risk of heart attacks and strokes.
✔ Overall cardiovascular health.

What to do?
➜ Move (physical activity is the best NO stimulator).
Eat right (less sugar, more antioxidants).
➜ Control cholesterol and blood pressure.

If there are signs of vascular diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis) – you should check the condition of the endothelium and start correction! 🚀