Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Acute Kidney Injury Model Induced by Cisplatin in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: May 15, 2021
Increase of endocan, a new marker for inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, in acute kidney injury
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Erzincan University Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan, Turkey.
Objective:
In this study, the clinical relevance of the levels of serum endocan and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was investigated in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Endocan or the endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 is a soluble proteoglycan secreted by vascular endothelial cells. It plays a significant role in immunity, inflammation, and endothelial function.
Methods:
A total of 39 patients with AKI (19 females, 20 males) and 38 healthy individuals (18 females, 20 males) were included in the study. The levels of serum endocan, vitamin D, and other biochemical parameters were compared between the two groups.
Results:
In the AKI group, the values of serum creatinine, endocan, parathormone, phosphorus, and uric acid were found to be higher, and the total protein, albumin, and calcium levels were lower compared to the control group. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the serum vitamin D, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase.
Conclusion:
In patients with AKI, an increased endocan level is a significant marker of inflammation and endothelial injury. In addition, these patients experience vitamin D deficiency.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Inflammation
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

