Endothelial Dysfunction and Obesity: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies.

Authors

Rosaria Vincenza Giglio, Sanja Stankovic, Angelo Maria Patti, Manfredi Rizzo, Marcello Ciaccio

Published in

International journal of molecular sciences. Volume 27. Issue 17. Aug 24, 2026. Epub Aug 24, 2026.

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism linking obesity, metabolic disturbances, and cardiovascular disease, contributing to the development and progression of atherosclerosis and other vascular complications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in obesity and discusses current diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring vascular homeostasis. The available evidence indicates that chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, increased reactive oxygen species production, and dysregulated adipokine signaling play central roles in endothelial impairment. Recent advances in functional vascular assessment, circulating biomarkers, and imaging techniques have improved the early identification of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. Current therapeutic strategies include pharmacological agents, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, metformin, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, together with lifestyle interventions based on healthy dietary patterns and regular aerobic and resistance exercise. These approaches improve glycemic control, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, enhance endothelial function, and contribute to cardiovascular protection. Overall, the evidence supports an integrated and personalized management strategy targeting both metabolic and vascular abnormalities to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve long-term clinical outcomes in individuals with obesity.

PMID:
42737456
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Oct 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.