Systemic endothelial glycocalyx and aortic stiffness are preserved in pulmonary arterial hypertension

May We Use Non-Invasive Indices of Aortic Stiffness and Endothelial Glycocalyx as Biomarkers for Idiopathic Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Follow-Up?

“…In a recent paper, we concluded that PVR was independently and inversely predicting PWV levels (Beta = −0.46, p = 0.01) in a group of 31 naïve first-diagnosed PAH patients (suffering of IPAH or PAH associated with connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease or portopulmonary hypertension) [7]. Several mechanisms, besides changes in cardiac output, might be responsible for the alterations observed in systemic vascular status in IPAH disease.…”

“…Prognosis of patients with PAH is difficult to determine and is based on a multiparametric approach based on functional status of the patient, biomarkers, hemodynamic parameters and imaging evaluation of right heart impairment [1]. However, few studies have focused on the role of the systemic aortic stiffness (AS) and endothelial function in PAH with conflicting results regarding increased vascular compliance and endothelial dysfunction in several cohorts with Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) or PAH-associated diseases [4][5][6][7].…”

Endothelium: The Trivial Fence Became a Powerful Gatekeeper of Vascular Health

“…19 Additionally, data support an important role of the EG regarding the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in several groups of patients. [20][21][22] The EG is also attracting attention as a potential therapeutic target due to its atheroprotective role. 19,23,24 Other new endothelium-targeted therapeutic pathways against atherosclerosis include the efforts to enhance circulating bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in number and functionality as well as to inhibit the endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT).…”