Endothelin: A Potential Universal Systemic Biomarker

Endothelins are a family of vasoconstrictive peptides known for their high potency. They are mainly synthesized and secreted by the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels in response to various stimuli. Their main physiological role is the regulation of vascular tone, affecting blood pressure and tissue perfusion.

The aim of this review was to evaluate the importance of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) plasma levels as a marker in diagnosis, disease burden, or development, due to its vascular effects.

Data from several studies in different organ systems, collected over the last thirty years, were collected. A statistical analysis was performed to reveal any similarities and differences among them.

ET-1 was found to be increased in arterial and pulmonary hypertension. Plasma ET-1 was elevated in patients with heart failure, autoimmune disease, chronic kidney disease, and liver failure. In all these cases, ET-1 was increased at least twice the maximum of normal plasma concentration in healthy subjects, in a similar pattern, independently of the disease background. More importantly, plasma ET-I levels increased even more according to the severity of the disease, not necessarily in a linear manner.

Endothelin-1 appears to increase similarly across various pathological conditions, making it a potential biomarker for overall human physiological status.