Impacts of Nanoparticles on Cardiovascular Diseases: Modulating Metabolism and Function of Endothelial Cells

Endothelial cells have very important functions, one of which is their contribution to regulating molecule and nutrient exchanges between the blood and peripheral tissues. Dysfunction of endothelial cells plays an essential role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. With the recent progress of nanotechnology, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the effects of nanoparticles on CVD. In this article, we review the biological characters of endothelial cells, evaluate the impacts of nanoparticles on the behavior and functions of endothelial cells, analyze advantages and disadvantages of various nanoparticles, and discuss potential applications of nanoparticles to CVD treatment.