Endothelin 1 (ET-1), also known as preproendothelin-1 (PPET1), is the most potent vasoconstrictor produced by the human body. [5] It is a peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells, [6] as well as by cells in the heart (affecting contractility) and kidney (affecting sodium handling). [7] The protein encoded by this gene –EDN1– is proteolytically processed to release endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin.
Preproendothelin is precursor of the peptide ET-1. Endothelial cells convert preproendothelin to proendothelin and subsequently to mature endothelin, which the cells release. [6] [8]
Patients with salt-sensitive hypertension have higher plasma ET-1. [7] Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (Bosentan) are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. [6] Use of these antagonists prevents pulmonary arterial constriction and thus inhibits pulmonary hypertension. [6]
As of 2020, the role of endothelin-1 in affecting lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obesity mechanisms was under clinical research. [9]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.