Endothelial dysfunction pathways (ED)

Endothelial dysfunction pathways represent a systemic pathological state of the inner lining of blood vessels, characterized by a shift from a vasodilatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-inflammatory state to a pro-thrombotic, pro-inflammatory, and vasoconstrictive state (StatPearls, 2023). This condition is primarily driven by reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to impaired vascular reactivity and structural remodeling (PubMed, 2021). It serves as a critical early marker and mediator in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure (NIH, 2022). Therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways often focus on restoring NO levels, inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, or reducing oxidative stress through agents like ACE inhibitors, statins, and PDE5 inhibitors (Circulation, 2020). Because it encompasses a broad range of molecular interactions rather than a single protein, it is considered a physiological process or a set of pathways rather than a discrete therapeutic target molecule.

Other names

Endothelial dysfunctionVascular endothelial dysfunctionImpaired endothelium-dependent vasodilationEndothelial activation

Restoration of nitric oxide bioavailability, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules.