Läkartidningen
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The inner side of the endothelium is covered by a thin layer of glycosylated proteins called the glycocalyx, which binds plasma to its surface up to a total thickness of 1-3 µm. The glycocalyx governs the endothelial permeability for macromolecules and has a key role in the regulation of microvascular perfusion. ⋯ The glycocalyx is involved in the initiation of the inflammatory response and is easily broken down (shedded) in response to sepsis, trauma, surgery, and cardiovascular disease. A shedded glycocalyx layer seems to impair the prognosis of heart failure and kidney disease. Its role as a mediator of cardiovascular complications to chronic disease is currently an important research topic.