About this Research Topic
The endothelial glycocalyx coats the surface of all healthy endothelial structures, and plays a key role in microvascular and endothelial physiology. This structure contributes to the regulation of microvascular tone and endothelial permeability, maintenance of an oncotic gradient across the endothelial barrier, regulation of leukocyte adhesion/migration, and inhibition of intravascular thrombosis.
The endothelial glycocalyx is injured through several factors. In the clinical syndromes of systemic inflammation, including sepsis, ischemia/reperfusion, and prolonged hyperglycemia, diffuse and persistent changes in the glycocalyx are associated with widespread endothelial dysfunction, altered permeability, and impaired oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells. Several previous reports have suggested associations of endothelial glycocalyx injury with severe diseases such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. In addition, chronic conditions such as diabetes, aging and hypertriglyceridemia injure the structure of the endothelial glycocalyx and cause degradation. The ability to treat and protect the endothelial glycocalyx directly would suggest an extremely important finding in this context.
The endothelial glycocalyx is injured through several factors. In the clinical syndromes of systemic inflammation, including sepsis, ischemia/reperfusion, and prolonged hyperglycemia, diffuse and persistent changes in the glycocalyx are associated with widespread endothelial dysfunction, altered permeability, and impaired oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells. Several previous reports have suggested associations of endothelial glycocalyx injury with severe diseases such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. In addition, chronic conditions such as diabetes, aging and hypertriglyceridemia injure the structure of the endothelial glycocalyx and cause degradation. The ability to treat and protect the endothelial glycocalyx directly would suggest an extremely important finding in this context.
Keywords: endothelial, glycocalyx, Cardiovascular Disease, microvascular
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