These results indicate that endothelial gap junctions are highly involved in atherogenesis and suggest that down-regulation of endothelial gap junction may be used as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.

• 这些结果说明内皮缝隙连接与动脉粥样硬化的发生高度相关，提示我们可以把内皮缝隙连接下调作为内皮功能障碍的一个标志。