Figure 3.

Mechanisms implicated in the diminished endothelial barrier function and enhanced leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) result in the phosphorylation and subsequently disassembly of endothelial junctional proteins, which leads to open interendothelial junctions and an enhanced permeation of solutes and transendothelial migration of leukocytes. Transcription-dependent and –independent redox signaling events also promote leukocyte recruitment by increasing the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Pi, phosphate.