Endothelium. That’s probably a new word for most of us. But it’s one that we should all aware of, since it has important connotations for our health and wellbeing. In fact, it’s one of the most important terms related to our vascular system. And that system is literally the lifeblood for our bodies, delivering oxygen, nutrients and other vital substances among other functions.

Golden Lining for Our Blood Vessels

What is the endothelium?

Endothelial cells form a vital layer in the body’s arterioles. These are the small arteries tasked with precisely regulating blood flow from the heart to our tissues, while keeping our blood vessels strong, supple and flexible. The endothelial layer is just a single cell in thickness.

These cells are versatile bodies with important functions that range from filtration in the kidneys to maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Other functions relate to wound healing, angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels themselves), inflammation, blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

They also play a critical role by serving as a permeable barrier for a blood vessel, regulating blood flow and mounting immune responses. Moreover, they underly our body’s ability to repair the network of blood vessels virtually everywhere from lungs, muscles and nervous system to intestines, spleen, liver and bone marrow.

In terms of heart disease, endothelial cells are now recognized as being as important as managing cholesterol for maintaining healthy blood vessel function. That function involves endothelial cells that become irritated or damaged, which then drives an immune response that results in the product of plaque.

Essential Functions and Benefits

Let’s take a quick look at six key functions of endothelial cells and blood vessel health:

Angiogenesis – A very important role in the formation of new blood vessels, which starts in the embryo and continues throughout our entire lives. This function is also related to potential cancer treatments involving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to malignant cells.

Barrier – A layer separating blood from the rest of the body’s tissues while allowing the passage of chemicals and white blood cells. The process can work both ways to transfer substances from blood to tissue or from tissue to blood.

Blood Flow – The ability to respond to various factors to help manage the dynamic widening and narrowing of blood vessels and resultant blood flow. This effect is achieved by interacting with the layer of smooth muscle that also lines the vessels.

Wounds – A key player in hemostasis, one of the first stages of healing at the site of a wound. The endothelium does this by controlling platelet adhesion and activation, as well as synthesizing a key blood clotting protein.

Inflammation – Another key regulatory function with a broad range of impacts related to signaling pathways and endothelial cells. Conditions that can be affected include rheumatoid arthritis, bowel inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Thrombosis – To help avoid the abnormal and undesirable formation of blood clots within blood vessels through actions such as secretion of prostacyclin that inhibits platelet aggregation.

What Can Go Wrong and How to Get Right

A primary factor in endothelial dysfunction appears to be reduced nitrous oxide (NO) levels in blood vessel walls. Without the right levels of NO, endothelial cells can encounter problems in doing their job. This problem is related to the effective metabolism of a particular amino acid.

But the culprits for developing problems with our endothelial cells range from just about every bad lifestyle habit and disorder: sedentary routines, smoking, stress, aging and genetics. So maintaining healthy behaviors is the place to start in keeping these tiny regulators in top shape.

As with so many health issues, diet can play a central role. Some factors that can help keep blood vessels in good condition include unsaturated fats, antioxidants, B vitamins, arginine and fiber. A fundamental consideration is not only specific food choices, but how they combine into what’s called a “dietary pattern” that works holistically.

When indicated, treatment can take the form of statin drugs, ACE inhibitors, a healthy diet, aerobic exercise and weight loss. In addition, research continues into a variety of possible medications for the condition.

Since our vascular system is literally the pipeline that ties our bodies together, it makes sense to treat it well. That means being aware of potential indicators of trouble and sharing them with your doctor. It also means doing everything you can individually, every day, to encourage the ongoing health of this vital delivery system throughout your life.