[Endothelial dysfunction: mechanisms of development and therapeutic options].

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial cells play a key role in cardiovascular regulation by producing a number of potent vasoactive agents, including the vasodilator molecule nitric oxide (NO) and the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin (ET).

UNASSIGNED

Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as the initial step in the atherosclerotic process. Impairment of NO synthesis, or increased inactivation of NO by superoxide radicals, may account for the increased periferal vascular tone, as well as contribute to the clinical consequences of different pathophysiological conditions which include vascular hypertrophy, increased platelet and monocyte adhesion to the endothelium, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke. To date, most interventions attempting to improve endothelial dysfunction have targeted one or more of the numerous risk factors that can cause endothelial damage: hypertension (ACE inhibitors and calcium antagonists), hypercholesterolemia (lipid-lowering agents), cigarette smoking (cessation), sedentary lifestyle (increased physical activity), menopause (estrogen replacement therapy), and diabetes mellitus (control of metabolic abnormalities). Several pharmacologic agents have been suggested to achieve vascular protection through mechanisms that go beyond their primary therapeutic actions (ACE-and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Beneficial changes to the endothelium might result from promotion of vasorelaxation, inhibition of vasoconstriction, reduction in the production of free radicals, or other mechanisms that protect the endothelium from injury.

CONCLUSIONS

This study deals with the results of many experimental and clinical investigations. The possibility of using different classes of drugs was also established, including ACE inhibitors, Ca-antagonists, AT and endothelin receptor antagonists, direct activator of adenyl cyclase, statins, antioxidants, L-arginine, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, beta-blockers and organic nitrates.