Vascular endothelium and blood vessel wall integrity

The vascular endothelium is a specialized layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, serving as a semi-permeable barrier between the blood and surrounding tissues [Pober & Sessa, 2007, Nat Rev Immunol]. Maintaining the integrity of this barrier and the overall blood vessel wall is essential for physiological homeostasis, including the regulation of blood flow, nutrient exchange, and immune cell trafficking [Sumpio et al., 2002, J Vasc Surg]. Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by increased permeability and a pro-inflammatory state, is a central feature in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, sepsis, and chronic inflammatory conditions [Gimbrone & García-Cardeña, 2016, Circ Res]. While 'vascular endothelium and blood vessel wall integrity' represents a complex physiological state rather than a single molecular target, it is a major focus of therapeutic intervention. Drugs targeting specific pathways within this system, such as VEGF inhibitors or Tie2 agonists, aim to stabilize the endothelial barrier and prevent pathological leakage [Ferrara & Adamis, 2016, Nat Rev Drug Discov]. Understanding the molecular components that maintain this integrity, such as VE-cadherin and the glycocalyx, is crucial for developing treatments for conditions ranging from macular degeneration to systemic inflammatory response syndrome [Reitsma et al., 2007, Pflugers Arch].

Other names

Endothelial barrierVascular barrierVascular wall integrityEndothelial liningVascular endothelial function

Stabilization of endothelial cell-cell junctions (e.g., VE-cadherin), inhibition of pro-permeability signaling pathways (e.g., VEGF/VEGFR2), and reduction of oxidative stress to maintain the vascular barrier and prevent pathological leakage [Ferrara & Adamis, 2016, Nat Rev Drug Discov].