Abbildung 18: Endothel - Kardiovaskuläres Risiko
The endothelium responds to endogenous vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, and can play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and peripheral circulation. Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of vascular disease in a range of different diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and coronary heart disease.1 It contributes to cardiovascular disorders, such as atherosclerosis,2 hypertension and heart failure.3 In the kidney, endothelial dysfunction can result in intraglomerular hypertension and inflammation.4 1. Annuk M, et al. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation and oxidative stress in chronic renal failure: impact on cardiovascular disease. Kidney Int Suppl 2003; 84: 50–53. 2. Erhardt LR. Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: the promise of blocking the renin-angiotensin system. Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57: 211–218. 3. Vapaatalo H, Mervaala E. Clinically important factors influencing endothelial function. Med Sci Monit 2001; 7: 1075–1085. 4. Klahr S, Morrissey JJ. The role of vasoactive compounds, growth factors and cytokines in the progression of renal disease. Kidney Int Suppl 2000; 75: S7–S14.