title: Endocan and the respiratory system: a review.
abstract: Endocan, formerly called endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, is an endothelial cell-associated proteoglycan that is preferentially expressed by renal and pulmonary endothelium. It is upregulated by proangiogenic molecules as well as by pro-inflammatory cytokines, and since it reflects endothelial activation and dysfunction, it is regarded as a novel tissue and blood-based relevant biomarker. As such, it is increasingly being researched and evaluated in a wide spectrum of healthy and disease pathophysiological processes. Here, we review the present scientific knowledge on endocan, with emphasis on the evidence that underlines its possible clinical value as a prognostic marker in several malignant, inflammatory and obstructive disorders of the respiratory system.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kechagia
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Papassotiriou
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa.
authors.forename: Konstantinos I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Gourgoulianis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; C101134:ESM1 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011509:Proteoglycans
keywords: endocan; endothelial dysfunction; inflammation; respiratory disorders