VCAM1 and endothelial dysfunction: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) comprises alterations of the endothelial cell (EC) physiology (including increased expression of pro-inflammatory cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), impaired nitric oxide (NO) production and signaling, EC apoptosis, and increased vascular permeability) that can be reflected in changes in the serum of patients.