Endothelin in human autoimmune diseases with renal involvement.
Endothelin (ET)-1 is a potent renal vasoconstrictor with pro-inflammatory, profibrotic and mitogenic potential. Animal studies support a pathogenetic contribution of ET-1 and its cognate receptors in several renal manifestations of autoimmune disorders. However, data in humans are limited. The present minireview thus summarizes the observations available in humans. Similar to animal models, ET-1 is overexpressed in glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions, which is reflected by an increased urinary excretion of ET-1. Since antagonizing the ET system has beneficial effects in experimental models, this approach may be translated to the human kidney, thus counteracting vasoconstriction, inflammation and extracellular matrix deposition during the course of human autoimmune disease.
Neuhofer
W
W
Department of Physiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 12, D-80336 Munich, Germany. Wolfgang.Neuhofer@med.uni-muenchen.de
Pittrow
D
D
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000502:physiology; D014661:Vasoconstriction
D019332:Endothelin-1; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin