Masola V, Zaza G, Onisto M, Lupo A, Gambaro G
Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University-Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy -
Int Angiol. 2014 Jun;33(3):243-54.
The glycocalyx is a jelly layer covering the endothelium constituted by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans and adsorbed plasma proteins. This structure take part in several physiological and pathological vascular events. The glycocalyx acts as mechanosensor to shear stress and participates to regulation of vascular tone, permeability, coagulation and complement activation. Moreover it regulates the interaction and activation of blood cells with endothelial cells. The presence of a thick, normal glycocalyx is required for physiological vascular functions, whereas these functions are impaired by its damage by noxious agents. Indeed, glycocalyx alterations are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion and diabetic vascular complications. GAGs such as sulodexide are promising agents to control endothelial dysfunction. They act at multiple levels: they promote glycocalyx reconstitution, control glycocalyx degrading enzymes, exert anti-inflammatory effects and have anti-apoptotic and anti-senescence effects on endothelial cells. Clinical studies support the evidence that glycosaminoglycans are useful to restore a normal endothelial function.
糖萼是一层覆盖在内皮细胞上的胶状层，由糖胺聚糖（GAGs）、蛋白聚糖和吸附的血浆蛋白构成。这种结构参与多种生理和病理血管事件。糖萼作为机械传感器感知剪切应力，并参与血管张力、通透性、凝血和补体激活的调节。此外，它还调节血细胞与内皮细胞的相互作用和激活。生理血管功能需要存在厚且正常的糖萼，而有害因子对其造成的损伤会损害这些功能。事实上，糖萼改变参与动脉粥样硬化、缺血再灌注和糖尿病血管并发症的发病机制。诸如舒洛地昔等糖胺聚糖是控制内皮功能障碍的有前景的药物。它们在多个层面发挥作用：促进糖萼重构、控制糖萼降解酶、发挥抗炎作用，并对内皮细胞具有抗凋亡和抗衰老作用。临床研究支持糖胺聚糖有助于恢复正常内皮功能这一证据。
