Endothelial dysfunction as the key link of chronic diseases pathogenesis

Endothelium is the unique «endocrine tree» lining absolutely all cardiovascular system organs of the body. Endothelial cells form a barrier between the blood and tissues, perform a number of important regulatory functions, synthesizing and releasing a wide range of biologically active substances. The strategic location of the endothelium allows it to be sensitive to haemodynamic changes as well as to the signals carried by the blood and signals of underlying tissues. Balanced release of biologically active substances contributes to homeostasis maintenance. The data concerning the multiple mechanisms of endothelium participation in the origin and development of various pathological conditions is accumulated so far. This is not only due to its participation in vascular tone regulation, but also due to the direct influence on atherogenesis, thrombus formation, and protection of the vascular wall integrity. Endothelial dysfunction is considered as a pathological condition of the endothelium based on impaired synthesis of endothelial factors. As a result, endothelium is unable to provide the haemorheological balance of the blood, resulting in disorders of different organs and systems functions. Endothelial dysfunction is a key link in pathogenesis of many diseases and their complications. The role of endothelial dysfunction in the development of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and others has been proven recently. The review provides data on the functions of vascular endothelium and its dysfunction. Types of endothelial dysfunction are described. Modern concept of endothelial dysfunction as the key link of pathogenesis of many chronic diseases is presented. Endothelial dysfunction precedes the development of clinical manifestations of diseases, so the study of the endothelium condition at early stages of the diseases is promising and could be of great diagnostic and prognostic value.