Endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Part I: humoral factors and assessment of endothelial function

Abstract

Endothelium acts as an organ secreting actively various substances. The vascular homeostasis is based on the precisely regulated balance between vasodilatative and vasoconstrictive factors derived from endothelium. Out of numerous vasoactive factors maintaining vascular homeostasis the key role belongs to nitric oxide and endothelin-1. The determination of endothelial function may be based on flow mediated vasodilatation tests (in coronary and peripheral circulation) and on the laboratory tests of the specific markers of the endothelial function and local inflammatory process present in vessels.