The research of the molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in vitro

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction is universally regarded as one of the key elements in the pathogenesis of most of cardiovascular diseases including ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, dilated cardiomyopathy, as well as diabetes mellitus, inflammatory, oncological, and autoimmune diseases. Localization of endothelial cells in tunica intima of the vessels limits in vivo analysis of the intracellular proteins and other molecules, which regulate cellular functional activity. A possible solution to this problem may be setting experimental conditions for physiological and pathological functioning of endothelial cells. In vitro modeling of endothelial dysfunction may be a useful tool for the development of methods to improve the endothelial function and evaluate the effects of medicinal products. The objective of this literature review is to summarize main trends in studying endothelial dysfunction in vitro using different endothelial cell cultures.