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Plasma endothelin levels in cirrhotic subjects
1Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Ospedale San Vito, University of Turin, Italy.
Journal of Hepatology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Patients with cirrhosis have significantly lower levels of endothelin-1, a vasoconstrictor peptide. This reduction in circulating endothelin may contribute to systemic vasodilation in cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Endothelin-1 is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide released by vascular endothelium.
- Cirrhosis is associated with complex hemodynamic alterations, including systemic vasodilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma endothelin-1 levels in patients with cirrhosis.
- To explore potential correlations between endothelin-1 and other vasoactive hormones or clinical features of cirrhosis.
Main Methods:
- Plasma immunoreactive endothelin-1 concentrations were measured using immunoassay.
- Levels were compared between 23 patients with cirrhosis and 20 healthy subjects.
- Correlations with plasma renin, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide, arginine-vasopressin, and catecholamines were assessed.
Main Results:
- Plasma endothelin-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with non-uraemic cirrhosis compared to healthy controls (19.4 +/- 8.9 pmol/l vs. 48.8 +/- 24.8 pmol/l, p < 0.002).
- No significant correlations were found between plasma endothelin-1 and other measured hormones (renin, aldosterone, ANP, AVP, catecholamines).
- Plasma endothelin-1 levels did not differ based on cirrhosis etiology, ascites, or varices.
Conclusions:
- Reduced circulating endothelin-1 levels are observed in patients with cirrhosis.
- Low endothelin-1 may play a role in the development or maintenance of systemic vasodilation characteristic of cirrhosis.