THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ENDOTHELIUM - A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ISSUE AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF RUSSIAN SCIENTISTS TO ITS STUDY

Abstract

Endothelium is the most important regulatory and endocrine body that coordinates and optimizes various metabolic and physiological processes in the cardiovascular system.Recent yearsendothelium has been the subject of the intense study by domestic and foreign scientists. The study of physiological and functional conditions of endothelium is important for solving the problems of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various pathology of the cardiovascular system. Literature analysis was made that allowed to follow stages of discovery and study of endothelium and its important functions. Highlighted the contribution of Russian and Soviet scientists (V.A. Valdman, M.V. Yanovsky), previously underestimatedby the scientific community, in studying of the endothelium, development of tests that have become precursors of another diagnostic methods for assessing endothelial dysfunction. Carried out the analysis of such important functions of the endothelium as regulation ofwhite blood cells adhesion, vascular tone, angiogenesis, control of platelets adhesion andaggregation, involvement in fibrinolysis and inflammatory processes. The role of substances secreted by endothelium and mediating the performance of the above functions is indicated. By the analysis of the role of the endothelium in regulatory processes, it can be said that endothelial dysfunction is a key link in the pathogenesis of many diseases, especially in the cardiovascular system. Further detailed studies of the structural and functional conditions of the endothelium remains one of the main directions of the fundamental cardiology, expanding the possibilities of diagnosis, prevention, as well as non pharmacological and pharmacological correction of endothelial dysfunction. All of thatwill help us to improve our knowledgein pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.