VCAM1 and endothelial dysfunction: Microvascular function was evaluated with the retina [flicker light-induced arteriolar dilation, flicker light-induced venular dilation, central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), the plasma endothelial dysfunction biomarkers [soluble VCAM-1, soluble ICAM-1, soluble E-selectin and von Willebrand factor(vWf)], skin (heat-induced skin hyperaemic response) and urine (24-h albuminuria).