Biology of the endothelium: literature review

Jésser M. Herrera-Salgado, Coordination of Medical Education and Research, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
Sergio G. Monasterios-López, Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Alta Especialidad La Paz, La Paz, Bolivia
Jhon E. Martínez-Alcalá, Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Ángeles, Mexico City, Mexico
Waldemar A. Solis-Loria, Intensive Care Unit, Instituto Materno Infantil del Estado de México; Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico. México
María V. López-Parra, Intensive Care Unit, Instituto Materno Infantil del Estado de México, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, México
Hever J. Arriaga-Flores, Coordination of Medical Education and Research, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
Ana E. Montes-García, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Érika K. Fuentes-Gutiérrez, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Araceli E. Sevilla-Muñoz Cano, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Martín Rodríguez-Roldán, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Luis E. Reyes-Mendoza, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Freddy Mendoza-Hernández, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Karina Mendoza-Mejía, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Ricardo M. Malagón-Reyes, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Ma. de Jesús Ángeles-Vázquez, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Rubén Castorena-de Ávila, Intensive Care Unite, Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Jesús C. Briones-Garduño, Medical Education and Research Coordination. Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Hugo Mendieta-Zerón, Medical Education and Research Coordination. Hospital Materno Perinatal Mónica Pretelini Sáenz, Secretaría de Salud, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Sindy A. Gutiérrez-Chavarría, Adults Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Hospital General de Tlahuac Dra. Matilde Petra Montoya Lafragua, ISSSTE, Mexico City. Mexico

Extensive research has been dedicated to elucidating the intricate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction. Restoration of endothelial integrity is primarily achieved via two mechanisms: local endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and the adhesion and incorporation of circulating endothelial progenitor cells. Historically, the endothelium was regarded as a quiescent monolayer; however, evidence accumulated over the past two decades has revealed its multifaceted role in modulating coagulation, fibrinolysis, vascular tone, and vascular remodeling. In addition, the endothelium is instrumental in orchestrating the interactions between platelets, leukocytes, and the vascular wall. This literature review synthesizes recent advancements in endothelial biology, with a particular emphasis on the functions of the glycocalyx, the cellular stress response, angiogenic processes, thrombosis, and the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.

Keywords: Endothelium. Biology. Glycocalyx.