Endothelin-1 levels and conduit artery mechanical properties in end-stage renal disease.
BACKGROUND
Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction markers are increased in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The present study focused on the relationship between EC markers, conduit artery wall mechanics and hemodynamics in ESRD.


METHODS
In 29 ESRD patients and 16 controls, brachial artery diameter, distension, and wall thickness was measured and circumferential wall stress (CWS) calculated. Shear stress was determined with a shear rate-estimating system. Furthermore, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels were measured.


RESULTS
vWF (p = 0.002) and ET-1 (p < 0.001) were higher in ESRD patients and vWF was related to ET-1 (r = 0.70, p = 0.005). Peak (p = 0.001) and mean shear stress (p = 0.003) were significantly lower in ESRD patients, and ET-1 showed an inverse log linear relation with both (peak: r = -0.59, p = 0.016; mean: r = -0.64, p = 0.007). Also, ET-1 was log linearly related to CWS (r = 0.58, p = 0.014).


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that, in ESRD, conduit artery shear stress is lower, which might be secondary to an increased peripheral vascular resistance caused by higher ET-1 levels.
Dammers
Ruben
R
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, NL-6202 Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Hoeks
Arnold P G
AP
Tordoir
Jan H M
JH
Welten
Rob J Th J
RJ
Hamulyák
Karly
K
Kooman
Jeroen P
JP
Kitslaar
Peter J E H M
PJ
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000503:physiopathology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014655:Vascular Resistance; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis
D015415:Biomarkers; D019332:Endothelin-1; D014841:von Willebrand Factor