Endothelium and its alterations in cardiovascular diseases: life style intervention.

The endothelium, which forms the inner cellular lining of blood vessels and lymphatics, is a highly metabolically active organ
that is involved in many physiopathological processes, including the control of vasomotor tone, barrier function, leukocyte
adhesion, and trafficking and inflammation. In this review, we summarized and described the following: (i) endothelial cell
function in physiological conditions and (ii) endothelial cell activation and dysfunction in the main cardiovascular diseases (such
as atherosclerosis, and hypertension) and to diabetes, cigarette smoking, and aging physiological process. Finally, we presented the
currently available evidence that supports the beneficial effects of physical activity and various dietary compounds on endothelial
functions.