Venous and arterial endothelium: markers of dysfunction and pathophysiological significance

Abstract

Abstract. Introduction. Endothelial dysfunction is a result of complex pathogenic interface involving inflammation, oxidative stress, disorders of endothelization and hemostasis etc., in both arteries and veins, leading to a lot of cardiovascular diseases. Identifying markers with high predictive value has an important diagnostic and prognostic significance. Material and methods. To create this review article, we conducted a thorough search for relevant references that are current, specific, and aligned with the goals of the article. We utilized databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, going as far back as the year 2000 to gather the necessary information. The identified articles were structured based on the main objectives, comprehensively analyzed, and the key findings have been critically exposed. Results. A few main markers endothelial dysfunction were revealed, which reflect axial pathogenic events such as inflammation, endothelium lesion and reendothelization, inherent hemostasis disorders and prothrombotic risk. Likewise, some distinct morphophysiological traits of arterial and venous endothelium are disentangled, as well as markers having common and distinct predictive power of endothelial dysfunction in arteries and veins. Conclusions. Multi-marker panel is a reliable tool for prediction of endothelial dysfunction in both arteries and veins, as well as the risk of inherent consequences. Noteworthy, majority of markers are common for arteries and veins, but some, like C-reactive protein and von Willebrand factor should be treated distinctly.