Nitric oxide is released from VEC by a process called endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide is vasoprotective, meaning that is promotes vasodialation. It also can inhibit some important anti-atherosclerotic properties including leukocyte adhesion.

VEC and nitric oxide

Vascular endothelial cells are active in maintaining homeostasis in the body by managing uptake, metabolism and synthesis of many substances. They also produce vasoprotective factors to protect arteries from atherogenesis.

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Vascular endothelial cells make up the inner lining of arteries, veins, and capillaries. Vascular endothelial cells are active in maintaining homeostasis in the body by managing uptake, metabolism, and synthesis of many substances. When VECs are injured, they produce an inflammatory response. Dysfunctional VECs cannot produce nitric oxide or prevent the adhesion of LDL, platelets and monocytes to the VEC.

Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury

Tuso, P., Stoll, S. R., & Li, W. W. (2015). A plant-based diet, atherogenesis, and coronary artery disease prevention. The Permanente journal, 19(1), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/14-036 

A Plant-Based Diet, Atherogenesis, and Coronary Artery Disease Prevention

Major CAD risk factors have also been shown to cause vascular endothelial cell injury. These include:
- hypercholesterolemia
- hypertension 
- diabetes
 
Other associated risks include hyperlipidemia and obesity.

Causes of vascular endothelial cell injury

Plant-based diets low in salt, fat, cholesterol, and sugar can cause reduction in VEC injury in patients with high risk for coronary artery disease. Because a plant-based approach includes no cholesterol due to the lack of animal products, this has shown promise for lowering LDL and other lipoprotein levels. Lowering intake of added sugars and salt can also improve diabetes and high blood pressure, which are common risk factors for developing CAD.

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