Clinical impact of vasomotor function assessment and the role of ACE-inhibitors and statins

Vascul Pharmacol. 2005 Feb;42(3):125-40. doi: 10.1016/j.vph.2005.01.009.

Abstract

Impaired endothelial function is recognised as one of the earliest events of atherogenesis. Endothelium-dependent vasomotion has been the principal method to assess endothelial function. In this article, we will discuss the clinical value of the different techniques to evaluate endothelium-dependent vasomotion. To date, there seems not to be a simple and reliably endothelial function test to identify asymptomatic subjects at increased risk for cardiovascular disease in clinical practice. Recent studies indicate that pharmacological interventions, in particular with ACE-inhibitors and statins, might improve endothelial function. However, there is no solid evidence that improvement of endothelial function is a necessity for the observed reduction in cardiovascular events by these compounds. Overall, at this moment, there is no place in clinical practice for the use of endothelial function as a method for risk assessment or target of pharmacological interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / pharmacology*
  • Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use
  • Vasomotor System / drug effects*
  • Vasomotor System / physiology

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Peptide Fragments
  • glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (304-313)
  • Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases