Plasma endothelin-1 in patients with stable or unstable angina.
BACKGROUND
It has been documented that an elevated endothelin-1 (ET-1) plasma concentration is associated with an increased risk of serious coronary events and the presence of angiographically documented coronary artery disease (CAD). The results of a few studies which examined ET-1 plasma level in patients with stable or unstable angina, were inconclusive.


OBJECTIVE
To assess whether ET-1 blood concentration measured in the coronary sinus and peripheral vein is associated with clinical symptoms in patients with multi-vessel CAD.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 23 patients with multi-vessel CAD of whom 11 had unstable angina and 12 - stable angina. Both groups were matched with regard to age, gender and the presence of cardio-vascular risk factors. Blood samples for ET-1 assessment were taken during coronary angiography simultaneously from the coronary sinus and femoral vein. ET-1 was measured using an immunoenzymatic method.


RESULTS
ET-1 plasma level in the peripheral venous circulation was similar in patients with unstable or stable angina (0.45+/-0.18 pmol/L versus 0.46+/-0.14 pmol/L, NS) whereas ET-1 level in the coronary sinus was significantly higher in patients with unstable angina (1.44+/-0.47 pmol/L versus 0.34+/-0.17 pmol/L, p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
ET-1 concentration in the coronary sinus is significantly higher in patients with unstable rather than stable angina which confirms the role of ET-1 in the pathogenesis of CAD. Our results suggest a possible future role of endothelin receptor blockers in the treatment of patients with unstable angina.
Zuk-Popiołek
Izabela
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III Department of Cardiology, Silesian Medical Academy, Katowice, Poland.
Flak
Zbigniew
Z
Francuz
Tomasz
T
Tendera
Michał
M
D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D019332:Endothelin-1