Open AccessEndothelial Cells, Cholesterol, Cytokines, and Aging
Author(s) -
Stefano Tetè,
Domenico Tripodi,
M Rosati,
Francesca Conti,
Giulio Maccauro,
Andrea Saggini,
Vincenzo Salini,
Ettore Cianchetti,
Alessandro Caraffa,
Pierluigi Antinolfi,
E Toniato,
M.L. Castellani,
Franco Pandolfi,
S. Frydas,
Pio Conti,
Theoharis C. Theoharides
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.724
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 2058-7384
pISSN - 0394-6320
DOI - 10.1177/039463201202500205
Subject(s) - chemokine , endothelial dysfunction , endothelium , cytokine , medicine , angiogenesis , inflammation , cholesterol , immunology , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology
It has been reported that high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and shorter life. In fact, vascular endothelial dysfunction occurs during the human aging process. Accumulation of lipids in vascular endothelium activates leukocytes to produce cytokines and chemokines which recruit macrophages. On the other hand, macrophages augment inflammatory response and secrete vascular endothelial growth factor, a key cytokine that mediates angiogenesis and inflammatory response. In addition, hyperlipidaemia is one of the main risk factors for aging, hypertension and diabetes. Here, we review the interrelationship between endothelial cells, high level of cholesterol, and aging.