[Endothelin, endothelial cells and von Willebrand factor in peripheral blood of asthmatic patients]

As recent studies prove, endothelial cells and particularly one of their products, endothelin, are not only active agents taking part in sustaining homeostasis in the peripheral blood system, but are also involved in immunological responses and angiogenesis. This is especially true about endothelin, which is a powerful spasmogen and comitogen, in particular for the smooth muscles of the bronchi. Endothelial cells play an important role in angiogenesis of the lungs, observed in asthmatic patients. The marker of the condition of endothelium is von Willebrand factor (vWF). The aim of this research was to study the three elements (endothelial cells, endothelin, vWF) in peripheral blood of asthmatic patients. The study group consisted of 27 asthmatic patients (moderate and severe asthma) and 15 healthy individuals. Immunological method employing specific monoclonal antibodies was used to assess endothelial cells; immunoenzymatic method was used to assess endothelin and vWF. The concentration of endothelin in the blood of asthmatic patients was much higher than in the control group (1.02 +/- 2.13 vs 0.45 +/- 0.14), but the difference was not statistically significant. The numbers of circulating endothelial cells were significant higher in asthmatics than in healthy individuals (1.3 +/- 0.7 vs 0.48 +/- 0.3) and the concentrations of vWF were the same in both groups (105.3 +/- 18.7 vs 102.8 +/- 32.2). Additionally, positive correlation was found between endothelin and endothelial cells, endothelin and vWF, as well as endothelial cells and vWF. The results suggest that endothelium and endothelin play an active part in the process of remodeling in asthma and may serve as a tool in the prognosis of remodeling.