Abstract
The discovery of endothelium-derived vasodilator factor (EDRF) have stimulated widespread interest in investigations of endothelial function in humans. EDRF has been identified as nitric oxide (NO). In the vasculature, either decreased synthesis or increased oxidative inactivation of NO leads to the impaired endothelium-derived vasodilatation, i.e. endothelial dysfunction.Atherogenic risk factors, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, aging, and menopause can cause endothelial dysfunction in the early stage of atherosclerosis. After it has been proven that endothelial function can be assessed by measuring the vasomotor responses of coronary arteries undergoing cardiac catheterization, less or much less invasive methods have been developed, using peripheral arteries. The endothelial function test will be useful as a marker of treatment because it has been reported that assessment of endothelial function may predict future cardiovascular events.It has been postulated that oxidative stress increases blood pressure and may be responsible for the maintenance of high blood state as well as impaired endothelial function. In patients with renovascular hypertension, activation of the renin-angiotensin system enhances the vascular production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Renal-artery angioplasty improved endothelial dysfunction through a reduction in oxidative stress. [Jpn J Physiol 54 Suppl:S42 (2004)]
