Related Experiment Videos
Therapeutic potential of endothelin receptor antagonists in diabetes
S Chakrabarti1, M Cukiernik, S Mukherjee
1Department of Pathology, DSB 4011, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. schakrab@julian.uwo.ca
Abstract:
Endothelins (ETs) are widely distributed in the body and perform several vascular and non-vascular functions. Experimental evidence indicates that abnormalities of the ET system occur in several organs affected in chronic diabetic complications. Furthermore, ET antagonists were found to prevent structural and functional changes in the target organs of chronic diabetic complications in animal models. Abnormalities of plasma ET levels have also been demonstrated in human diabetes. This review discusses the role of ET in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications. The current experimental evidence suggests that ET antagonism may potentially represent an adjuvant therapeutic tool in the treatment of chronic diabetic complications.
Insights
Endothelins (ETs) play a role in diabetic complications. ET antagonism shows promise as an additional therapy for managing chronic diabetes-related conditions in both animal models and human studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Endothelins (ETs) are peptides with diverse vascular and non-vascular functions.
- The ET system is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications.
- Plasma ET levels are altered in human diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the Endothelin system in chronic diabetic complications.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of ET antagonism in managing these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental evidence from animal models.
- Analysis of studies on plasma ET levels in human diabetes.
Main Results:
- ET system abnormalities are observed in organs affected by diabetic complications.
- ET antagonists have prevented structural and functional damage in animal models.
- Altered plasma ET levels are documented in human diabetes.
Conclusions:
- The Endothelin system is a significant factor in the development of chronic diabetic complications.
- ET antagonism may serve as an effective adjuvant therapy for chronic diabetic complications.