Endothelial cells, cholesterol, cytokines, and aging.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: S Tetè, D Tripodi, M Rosati, F Conti, G Maccauro, A Saggini, V Salini, E Cianchetti, A Caraffa, P Antinolfi, E Toniato, M L Castellani, F Pandolfi, S Frydas, P Conti, T C Theoharides
• Journal: International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology (Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol) 2012 Apr-Jun Vol. 25 Issue 2 Pg. 355-63 ISSN: 0394-6320 [Print] England
• PMID: 22697067 (Publication Type: Editorial, Review)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Inflammation Mediators
• Cholesterol

Topics

• Aging (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Animals
• Atherosclerosis (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Cellular Senescence
• Cholesterol (metabolism)
• Cytokines (metabolism)
• Endothelial Cells (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Humans
• Inflammation Mediators (metabolism)
• Macrophages (immunology, metabolism)
• Risk Factors