Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the disease state of a disease or condition associated with EC dysfunction in a subject. An exemplary method screens for elevated profilin-1 levels as a marker for DVD and other vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, CVD or peripheral vascular disease. The invention also provides a method for the prophylaxis or treatment of such diseases or conditions associated with EC dysfunction. The method comprises administering to a subject a therapeutic composition or carrying out a protocol to inhibit the activity or function of profilin-1. In an embodiment, the composition comprises an inhibitor of profilin-1 activity or function administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The therapeutic protocol or method can, for instance, be siRNA based or a strategy for gene therapy. The invention further provides a kit that can be used to carry out a diagnostic method.