The role of endothelin in coronary atherosclerosis

Abstract

During the evolution of coronary atherosclerosis, growth factors, cytokines, and other molecules are involved in cell recruitment, migration, and proliferation. Endothelin is an endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor peptide that possesses mitogenic properties. In this review, current evidence is provided that suggests that endothelin fulfills proposed criteria to be considered an atherogenic peptide because of its mitogenic and proliferative properties, as well as its inter-actions with known atherogenic factors. In addition, a proposed role of endothelin in the evolution of atherosclerosis is outlined.