This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pathology
The mechanism by which smoking accelerates vascular injury is? 
Select and explain. 
A. Retention of sodium, B. Increased aldosterone production, C. Promoting endothelial dysfunction, D. Increasing plasma catecholamines
C: Promoting endothelial dysfunction
Answer: C: Promoting endothelial dysfunction 
Explanation: Smoking impacts on and potentiates the mechanisms at three separate stages of the development of vascular disease (atherosclerosis):1) Endothelial dysfunction2) Monocyte recruitment and development of the plaque3) Thrombosis at the damaged vessel wallRef: The Nature Of Disease: Pathology For The Health Professions, By Thomas H. McConnell, Page 279