Authors: Lupattelli, Graziana; Marchesi, Simona; Brozzetti, Matteo; Vaudo, Gaetano; Mannarino, Elmo

Source: Vascular Disease Prevention, Volume 2, Number 3, July 2005 , pp. 257-259(3)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The last ten years focused on the relevance of the endothelium in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. It has been established that the impact of a recognized risk factor such as low-density lipoproteins (LDL) begins on the endothelial surface by impairing endothelial function. The relevance of lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis is complex and extends to other lipid subfractions such as triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and postprandial lipaemia. All these variables can influence endothelial function.

Triglyceride levels are associated with altered endothelial function in healthy subjects probably via an oxidative mechanism. HDL exerts a protective action on endothelial reactivity via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties attenuating the damage produced by LDL. Postprandial lipaemia may impair endothelial reactivity; this transient injury of the endothelium favours atherosclerotic lesions.

Several reports suggested that endothelial dysfunction represents a reversible phase of atherosclerosis; this consideration underlines the significance of dietary and lipid-lowering treatment in the prevention of atherosclerosis. However, additional strategies are needed to treat the cluster of risk factors in high-risk patients.

Keywords: low-density lipoproteins (ldl); triglycerides; cholesterol; interleukin; atherosclerosis; no synthase; lipaemia

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567270054368952

Affiliations: 1: Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia School of Medicine, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 06122 Perugia, Italy.

Publication date: 2005-07-01

More about this publication?

• Vascular Disease Prevention publishes reviews as well as original papers to update all those concerned with this topic at the clinical or scientific level. In addition to clinically relevant topics, we consider reviews and original papers dealing with the more scientific aspects of vascular disease prevention. This includes the evaluation of emerging vascular risk factors, research dealing with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the investigation of new treatment options both at the clinical and scientific level (e.g. epidemiology, patient-based studies, experimental models, in vitro experiments or molecular research). Therefore, another function of Vascular Disease Prevention is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing laboratory-based research.
  
  In particular, we welcome critical reviews and comments on recent trials. This is a topic that requires regular updates because of the large number of trials published every year.
  
  Debates are encouraged in the correspondence section of this journal.
  The editorial structure of Vascular Disease Prevention is set up with the aim of dealing with the submitted material as rapidly as possible. Specialist editors will provide a more expert and rapid assessment unlike a more centralized editorial structure.

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