Endothelium is the largest endocrine organ which is essential for maintenance of homeostasis of the entire body. Endothelium operates by a broad spectrum of signaling molecules controlling the contractile state of vascular smooth muscles; long distance intercellular synchronization within the vascular wall; adhesive, coagulant, and rheological properties of blood; permeability of vascular wall and dialyses of surrounding tissues. Dysfunctions in these signaling pathways not only result in the loss of important homeostatic functions but also engage endothelium into the propathological activities. This pattern shows the two sides of the coin; thus endothelium might be either good or bad guy depending on the default signaling. Endothelial dysfunction was observed in aging as well as in major lifestyle-related diseases. This suggests that the endothelium can serve as a target for prevention and treatment of diseased states. Currently there is an intensive development in identification of new endothelium-dependent signaling pathways and characterization of their role for various pathological states and disease development. This issue aims at helping this progress.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that document the role of endothelium in maintenance of physiological functions as well as in development of diseased states. We are also interested in studies investigating the risk factors in endothelial dysfunction development or aimed at its prevention and treatment. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• New mechanistic insights into action of endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors, oxidative and nitrosative stress
• New methods in determination of endothelial dysfunction and vascular cell-to-cell communication
• Risk factors in development of endothelial dysfunction: fetal programming, stress, and obesity
• Endothelial alterations in diseased states: hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, renal disorders, brain disorders, and hypoxic conditions
• New approaches in prevention and therapy of endothelial dysfunction: diet, exercise, and new drugs

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/bmri/cardiology/edss/ according to the following timetable: