The role of endothelial glycocalyx in sepsis

Abstract

The surface of endothelial cells is filled with various membrane-bound molecules that form the glycocalyx. The endothelial glycocalyx is a surface layer mainly consisted of glycosaminoglycans that include heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid and its core proteins. Previous studies suggest that endothelial surface glycocalyx shedding could play a role in endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. This article will review the endothelial glycocalyx and its role in sepsis.

Keywords

• glycocalyx
• proteoglycans
• function
• shedding