VCAM1 and endothelial dysfunction: According to current understanding, endothelial dysfunction is associated with oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, increased anticoagulant properties and platelet aggregation, increased expression of adhesion molecules (i.e., P- and E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and leukocyte adhesion molecules [i.e., vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), increased secretion of proinflammatory chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1), and cytokines (i.e., IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a)] [184,185].