Hyperglycemia and Endothelial Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis: Lessons from Type 1 Diabetes
Figure 2
Interplay between endothelial cell dysfunction and endothelial cell activation. (a) Cytokines and oxidized LDL stimulate endothelial cell permeability and NF-κB-dependent inflammatory gene expression. ROS appear to play a central role mediating both responses. (b) In addition to its vasodilatory properties, NO promotes barrier stability, limits inflammation, inhibits platelet aggregation, and limits SMC proliferation. Loss of these protective properties in endothelial cell dysfunction therefore perpetuates endothelial cell activation.
