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Horm Metab Res 2005; 37: 49-55
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-861363
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endothelial Dysfunction, Cellular Adhesion Molecules and the Metabolic Syndrome

M.  T.  Schram1 , C.  D.  A.  Stehouwer2
  • 1 Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam
  • 2 Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Received 14 October 2004

Accepted after Revision 10 February 2005

Publication Date:
25 May 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Over the last two decades, it has become evident that the endothelium is more than an inert, single-cell lining covering the internal surface of blood vessels. Normally, the endothelium actively decreases vascular tone, maintains vascular permeability within narrow bounds, inhibits platelet adhesion and aggregation, limits activation of the coagulation system, and stimulates fibrinolysis. Endothelium dysfunction can be considered present when its functions, either in the basal state or after stimulation, are altered in a way that is inappropriate to the preservation of organ function. Endothelial dysfunction has been associated to many cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. In addition, endothelial dysfunction may play a crucial role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This review will give a brief overview of the different methods to assess endothelial function, and then will focus on the current knowledge on soluble cellular adhesion molecules in relation to the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Key words

Type 2 diabetes - Cellular adhesion molecules - Endothelium - Metabolic syndrome - Cardiovascular disease

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Prof. C. D. A. Stehouwer

Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht

PO Box 5800 · 6202 AZ Maastricht · The Netherlands

Phone: +31 (0)43 387 7041

Email: csteh@sint.azm.nl