endotheeltherapie

Endotheeltherapie is a medical approach focused on the endothelium, the thin cell layer lining the interior of blood vessels. The aim is to protect, repair, or replace damaged endothelium to restore vascular function and prevent disease progression. Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes-related microvascular complications, and impaired wound healing. It involves reduced production of vasodilators such as nitric oxide, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and increased vascular permeability.

Therapeutic strategies can be broadly categorized as pharmacological, cell-based, gene or molecular therapies, and physical or lifestyle interventions. Pharmacological approaches include drugs that improve endothelial function and vascular tone, such as statins and renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, as well as agents that reduce oxidative stress or inflammation. Lifestyle interventions, particularly regular aerobic exercise and a balanced diet, also support endothelial health.

Cell-based strategies explore delivery or mobilization of endothelial cells or endothelial progenitor cells to promote re-endothelialization and tissue repair after injury. Gene therapy aims to enhance endothelial nitric oxide production or to modulate endothelin signaling. Cell-free approaches use vesicles derived from endothelial cells or stem cells to mediate repair. Nanoparticle- or antibody-guided delivery systems seek to target therapies specifically to the endothelium, reducing off-target effects. Tissue engineering may create vascular grafts with functional endothelium to improve graft patency.

Overall, endothelial-directed therapies are most advanced in cardiovascular risk reduction and vascular repair, but many approaches remain experimental. Clinical adoption depends on demonstrated safety, efficacy, and regulatory approval. Ongoing research seeks to integrate endothelial health into broader treatment strategies.