The 15th Anniversary of Life: Endothelial Glycocalyx—a Determinant of Endothelial Function and Vascular Reactivity

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 11 December 2026 | Viewed by 1509

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
2. Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
Interests: microcirculation; n-3 PUFAs; endothelium; oxidative stress; eicosanoids; nutrients; exercise
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a universal pathophysiological process that affects all parts of the vascular system, from large conducting blood vessels to functionally crucial microcirculation. The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) layer on the endothelial surface is crucial for microvascular health and in various clinical stages of conditions and diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation at the microcirculatory level contribute to the development of ED and the progression of numerous organ damage, as well increasing overall cardiovascular (CV) risk. CVD is the cause of 1/3 of all worldwide deaths. Analysis of the disruption of molecular mechanisms at the eGC level could provide important pathophysiological insights into the development and maintenance of vascular dysfunction in CVD and CKD, as well as potentially lead to the discovery of new biomarkers for assessing CVD and CKD status and possible therapy outcomes. Thus, in this Special Issue, we invite original and review studies performed in human, animal, and other models that explore the role of the endothelial glycocalyx primarily in CVD, but also in other diseases with ED in the background, such as chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disease, high salt intake, and others.

Prof. Dr. Ines Drenjančević
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • endothelial glycocalyx
  • cardiovascular system
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • nutrition

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1241 KB  
Article
The Effect of Intravenous Thrombolysis and Mechanical Thrombectomy on Change in the Concentrations of Interleukin-18 and Degradation Products of the Endothelial Glycocalyx in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
by Anja Babić, Božena Ćurko-Cofek, Vlatka Sotošek, David Bonifačić, Melani Mamić, Vita Komen, Slavica Kovačić, Vladimira Vuletić and Lara Batičić
Life 2026, 16(3), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030387 - 28 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Stroke is characterized by a sudden onset of neurological deficit attributed to a focal brain injury. The main treatments for patients with an acute ischemic stroke are intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. Recanalization therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes; however, their effectiveness depends [...] Read more.
Stroke is characterized by a sudden onset of neurological deficit attributed to a focal brain injury. The main treatments for patients with an acute ischemic stroke are intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. Recanalization therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes; however, their effectiveness depends on a range of pathophysiological factors. This prospective observational study included 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The control group consisted of 20 healthy blood donors. Patients were divided into three groups based on whether they received intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, or combination therapy. We investigated differences between recanalization therapies in patients with ischemic stroke with respect to peripheral blood concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-18 and endothelial glycocalyx degradation products: syndecan-1, heparan sulphate, and hyaluronic acid, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The blood samples were collected before, 24, and 48 h after recanalization therapy. The concentration of IL-18, syndecan-1, and heparan sulphate increased statistically significantly in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The concentration of hyaluronic acid increased statistically significantly in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. The findings primarily reflect between-group differences. Our findings indicate that IL-18 has a significant role in the early inflammatory response. IL-18 and EG degradation products represent potential biomarkers for identifying high-risk patients. Their measurement could help improve the treatment, recovery, and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The aforementioned observations underscore their potential value as biomarkers for future research. Full article
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Review

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20 pages, 1057 KB  
Review
The Role of Endothelial Glycocalyx in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Biomarkers
by Ana Marinčić Žagar, Nikolina Kolobarić, Petar Šušnjara, Justina Mihaljević, Zrinka Mihaljević and Ines Drenjančević
Life 2026, 16(4), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040642 - 10 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely linked conditions and represent common global health problems. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of mortality in CKD. Endothelial injury underlies the etiopathogenesis of both hypertension and [...] Read more.
Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely linked conditions and represent common global health problems. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of mortality in CKD. Endothelial injury underlies the etiopathogenesis of both hypertension and CKD. The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is a dynamic, negatively charged, carbohydrate-rich layer that covers the luminal surface of endothelial cells. Its primary physiological function is to protect the endothelium, including the regulation of vascular permeability and homeostasis. Damage to the eGC, known as “shedding”, is an early predictor of endothelial dysfunction and is driven by oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. In hypertension, loss of eGC integrity—often impaired by a high-salt diet—can reduce the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and increase arterial stiffness. Similarly, in CKD, uremic toxicity, hypertension, and inflammation damage the eGC, resulting in increased permeability, albuminuria, and higher cardiovascular risk. This review summarizes current evidence and underscores the potential of eGC shedding markers, especially syndecan 1 (SDC-1) and hyaluronic acid (HA), as early predictors of vascular risk and disease progression in hypertension and CKD. Full article
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