Endothelium as a pharmacological target.

Over the last few years, the increasing knowledge of the endothelium has highlighted its integral role in a number of pathologies. Endothelial cells are pivotally involved in the recruitment and adhesion of leukocytes and platelets, and they express adhesion molecules and growth factors. This review highlights the recent advances made in the understanding of the endothelium and discusses the endothelium as a potential target in a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and inflammatory diseases.