Vascular endothelium is a thin monolayer of cells that constitute the lining of blood vessels and organs (1-3). A hallmark of many diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes mellitus, viral infections, etc) is highlighted in the dysfunctional states of the vascular endothelium. Vascular endothelial cells line the entire circulatory system — heart, large blood vessels, and small capillaries (1). And the cells form the barrier between blood and organ tissues (3). 

Notable functions of the vascular endothelium:

1) Controls and regulates vascular relaxation and constriction;

2) Regulates homeostasis of solutes, fluid, macromolecules, hormones, platelets, and blood cells;

3) Directs “foreign materials” to inflammatory cell types;

4) Regulates blood fluidity;

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