Endocan, a Potential Biomarker of Endothelial Dysfunction: A Brief Overview

Endocan (endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, ESM-1), is a proteoglycan produced by the vascular endothelium that modulates cellular functions such as adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Elevated serum endocan levels are associated with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, acting as a marker of endothelial activation and dysfunction. This brief overview considers endocan's role in HTN, cirrhosis, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), erectile dysfunction (ED), and psoriasis vulgaris. Data were gathered from research reporting endocan levels, illness markers, and clinical outcomes. Elevated endocan levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to diabetes complications and associated with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) activation. In HTN, endocan promotes inflammatory signaling and lymphocyte infiltration. In liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, elevated levels correlate with hepatic fibrosis and poor prognosis. PAD patients show raised endocan correlating with disease severity. COVID-19 studies suggest coronavirus induces endotheliitis. In ED, higher endocan levels are linked with endothelial dysfunction and impaired vascular reactivity, serving as a potential biomarker for vascular-related ED. In psoriasis vulgaris, endocan levels correlate with disease severity and cardiovascular risk. The present brief overview supports that monitoring endocan levels may improve treatment and prognosis. Further research is required to define its clinical potential.