The Role of Endothelial Cells in the Onset, Development and Modulation of Vein Graft Disease

Abstract

Endothelial cells comprise the intimal layer of the vasculature, playing a crucial role in facilitating and regulating aspects such nutrient transport, vascular homeostasis, and inflammatory response. Given the importance of these cells in maintaining a healthy haemodynamic environment, dysfunction of the endothelium is central to a host of vascular diseases and is a key predictor of cardiovascular risk. Of note, endothelial dysfunction is believed to be a key driver for vein graft disease-a pathology in which vein grafts utilised in coronary artery bypass graft surgery develop intimal hyperplasia and accelerated atherosclerosis, resulting in poor long-term patency rates. Activation and denudation of the endothelium following surgical trauma and implantation of the graft encourage a host of immune, inflammatory, and cellular differentiation responses that risk driving the graft to failure. This review aims to provide an overview of the current working knowledge regarding the role of endothelial cells in the onset, development, and modulation of vein graft disease, as well as addressing current surgical and medical management approaches which aim to beneficially modulate endothelial function and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: accelerated atherosclerosis; endothelial dysfunction; intimal hyperplasia; surgical and clinical management; vein graft disease.

Figure 1

Overview of surgical techniques to preserve vein integrity pre and post harvesting.

Figure 2

Overview of the onset and progression of vein graft disease, highlighting the signalling pathways implicated in the process at their location/time of induction.