the key role of capillaries & microvascular dysfunction in various diseases
Cells. 2019 Dec 24;9(1). pii: E50. Atherosclerosis and the Capillary Network; Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Ziegler T1,2, Abdel Rahman F1, Jurisch V1, Kupatt C1,2. Author information 1 Klinik & Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany. 2 DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802 Munich, Germany. Abstract Atherosclerosis and associated ischemic organ dysfunction represent the number one cause of mortality worldwide. While the key drivers of atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus, are well known disease entities and their contribution to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques are intensively studied and well understood, less effort is put on the effect of these disease states on microvascular structure an integrity. In this review we summarize the pathological changes occurring in the vascular system in response to prolonged exposure to these major risk factors, with a particular focus on the differences between these pathological alterations of the vessel wall in larger arteries as compared to the microcirculation. Furthermore, we intend to highlight potential therapeutic strategies to improve microvascular function during atherosclerotic vessel disease. KEYWORDS: atherosclerosis; capillary; endothelial cells; pericyte; rAAV Full-Text
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