Endothelium is the endocrine organ essential for maintenance of homeostasis in the entire body. The endothelium releases factors that control vascular relaxation and contraction, thrombogenesis, and fibrinolysis, as well as platelet activation and inhibition. Maintaining the functional integrity of the endothelium is, therefore, critical for the preservation of blood flow and the prevention of thrombosis. Endothelium dysfunction (ED) may result in loss of important homeostatic functions, which in turn lead to various pathologies. ED was observed in ageing as well as in major lifestyle-related diseases suggesting that the endothelium dysfunction can serve as a target for prevention and treatment of various diseases.

ED is the initial step in the pathogenesis of peripheral artery disease, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic kidney failure, cancer, and infectious diseases as well as obesity.

We invite authors to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will illustrate and stimulate the continuing effort to understand the important role of endothelium in physiological as well as pathological states.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Impact of nutrition on endothelium
• Targeted therapies
• Paracrine interactions between endothelium and blood morphotic elements—role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders
• Role of endothelial function in the onset of cardiovascular events (i.e., stroke, MI, and pulmonary embolism)
• Oxidative stress in endothelium in healthy condition and in atherosclerosis
• Oxidative stress in endothelium under the influence of physical factors (e.g., magnetic fields and cryogenic temperatures)