Understanding endothelial function and dysfunction: state-of-the-art (a review)

E.Yu. Yupatov¹, T.E. Kurmanbaev², Yu.L. Timoshkova²

¹Kazan State Medical Academy — Branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Kazan

²S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, St. Petersburg

Tissue metabolism, which directly depends on blood flow velocity, is crucial for the normal functioning of human and animal organisms. Endothelial cells have an essential role in tissue respiration and metabolism. These cells are characterized by unique reparative activity extensively involved in angiogenesis throughout life. Various endothelial cells have metabolic properties that determine their functions during angiogenesis when stimulated with growth factors. Hypoxia is one of the principal stimulators of angiogenesis, thereby having a vital role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and malignancies. Susceptibility to damaging factors accounts for endothelial dysfunction with increased vascular permeability, cytokine and adhesion molecule synthesis, generation of pro-thrombotic environment, and cell dedifferentiation. The result is organ dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is the critical element of many disorders, e.g., preeclampsia, atherosclerosis, and COVID-19 complications. This paper reviews current data on endothelial metabolism, involvement in angiogenesis, and the role of endothelial dysfunction in the COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Keywords: endothelium, angiogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, hypoxia, glycolysis, COVID-19.

For citation: Yupatov E.Yu., Kurmanbaev T.E., Timoshkova Yu.L. Understanding endothelial function and dysfunction: state-of-the-art (a review). RMJ. 2022;3:20–23.