Endothelin-1 Levels in Scleroderma Patients: A Pilot Study. (30th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cozzani, Emanuele; Javor, Sanja; Laborai, Erika; Drosera, Massimo; Parodi, Aurora
• Other Names: Husz S. Academic Editor.; Pasmatzi E. Academic Editor.; Shenefelt P. D. Academic Editor.; Tuzun Y. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN dermatology. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-07-30
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases; Dermatology; Dermatology; Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/125632
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-4592

Abstract

Abstract : Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor, which mediates vascular wall cells proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation through two types of ET-1 receptors (ET-A and ET-B). In our retrospective study the serum levels of ET-1 in 18 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with and without digital ulcers (DUs) were assessed to observe possible correlation between the levels of ET-1, the evolution of SSc, and the therapy with an ET-1 antagonist (bosentan). In all our patients, the levels of ET-1 were found higher than normal range and correlate with the severity of the disease. Furthermore we also observed that in patients without DUs the levels of ET-1 were higher and did not correlate with new DUs development. In conclusion, the levels of ET-1 in our studied patients do not correlate with the possible development of DUs. The reduction of ET-1 levels in DUs patients in therapy with bosentan confirms the efficacy of this molecule both for treatment and prevention of digital ulcers. The inhibition of ET-A receptor by its antagonist may activate the opposite ET-B receptors, with well-known function ET-1 degradation and reducing of ET-1 serum level as confirmed in our pilot study.