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Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Endocan: A novel inflammatory indicator in cardiovascular disease?
Sevket Balta1, Dimitri P Mikhailidis2, Sait Demirkol1
1Department of Cardiology, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Endothelial dysfunction is considered as an early change in atherogenesis. Raised levels of systemic inflammatory markers are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endocan (previously known as endothelial cell specific molecule-1, ESM-1), is a potential immunoinflammatory marker that may be linked to CVD. Endocan is released by vascular endothelial cells in several organs. Endocan may play an important role in regulating cell adhesion and raised plasma levels may reflect endothelial dysfunction. Endocan levels are elevated in conditions such as chronic kidney disease, renal transplant rejection, tumor progression and hypertension. Endocan is a potential inflammatory and CVD marker. Further studies are needed to assess the relevance of endocan in clinical practice.
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