Glycoconjugates and Related Molecules in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Figure 2
Glycoconjugates and peripheral artery disease (PAD). (a) The contribution of glycoconjugates to vascular-related diseases has been examined in mouse models. Initiation and promotion of atherosclerosis via interaction between LDL and proteoglycans (PGs) have been indicated. Additionally, the importance of the interaction between growth factors (e.g., VEGF165) and heparan sulfate PG in ECs and extracellular matrix (ECM) during abnormal angiogenesis, such as in tumorigenesis, has been shown. (b) In human ECs, pathological stimulation, such as inflammatory cytokines and tumor-cell-derived medium (TCM), induces changes in glycoconjugates (e.g., expression levels, glycan structures, etc.). These changes may lead to EC dysfunction and disease initiation and promotion. Furthermore, glycoconjugates specifically modified under pathological conditions may be candidates for markers of PAD. (c) Study of human ECs to identify specific glycoconjugates related to PAD may be a good strategy for the prevention and treatment of PAD.
