TY - JOUR

T1 - Endothelial glycocalyx preservation - impact of nutrition and lifestyle

AU - Franceković, Paula

AU - Gliemann, Lasse

N1 - CURIS 2023 NEXS 139

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is a dynamic hair-like layer expressed on the apical surface of endothelial cells throughout the vascular system. This layer serves as an endothelial cell gatekeeper by controlling the permeability and adhesion properties of endothelial cells, as well as by controlling vascular resistance through the mediation of vasodilation. Pathogenic destruction of the eGC could be linked to impaired vascular function, as well as several acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. Defining the precise functions and mechanisms of the eGC is perhaps the limiting factor of the missing link in finding novel treatments for lifestyle-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. However, the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and the preservation of the eGC is an unexplored territory. This article provides an overview of the eGC's importance for health and disease and describes perspectives of nutritional therapy for the prevention of the eGC's pathogenic destruction. It is concluded that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, as well as healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and the time management of eating, might show promise for preserving eGC health and, thus, the health of the cardiovascular system.

AB - The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is a dynamic hair-like layer expressed on the apical surface of endothelial cells throughout the vascular system. This layer serves as an endothelial cell gatekeeper by controlling the permeability and adhesion properties of endothelial cells, as well as by controlling vascular resistance through the mediation of vasodilation. Pathogenic destruction of the eGC could be linked to impaired vascular function, as well as several acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. Defining the precise functions and mechanisms of the eGC is perhaps the limiting factor of the missing link in finding novel treatments for lifestyle-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. However, the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and the preservation of the eGC is an unexplored territory. This article provides an overview of the eGC's importance for health and disease and describes perspectives of nutritional therapy for the prevention of the eGC's pathogenic destruction. It is concluded that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, as well as healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and the time management of eating, might show promise for preserving eGC health and, thus, the health of the cardiovascular system.

KW - Endothelial glycocalyx

KW - Lifestyle diseases

KW - Cardiovascular health

KW - Obesity

KW - Diabetes

KW - Hypertension

KW - Nutrition therapy

KW - Mediterranean diet

KW - Vitamin D

KW - Dietary sulfur

KW - Dietary nitrates

KW - Mechanotransduction

KW - Endotoxemia

KW - Intermittent fasting

U2 - 10.3390/nu15112573

DO - 10.3390/nu15112573

M3 - Review

C2 - 37299535

VL - 15

JO - Nutrients

JF - Nutrients

SN - 2072-6643

IS - 11

M1 - 2573

ER -