Endocan Levels Research Articles

Serum endocan (ESM-1) as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)

Endothelial-cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) also called endocan is a well-known biomarker for detecting inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (ED), and cardiovascular (CV) risk in COVID-19 patients. Upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, a small percentage of children develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C). Whether endocan can be used as a biomarker of MIS-C is unknown. In this study, we assessed ESM-1 levels in MIS-C (n = 19) and healthy controls (HC; n = 17). We observed a significant increase in serum ESM-1 levels in MIS-C vs HC (p = 0.0074). In addition, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that this factor has a reasonable discriminatory power between MIS-C patients and HC (AUC of 0.7585). Notably, after one week of hospitalization and care, ESM-1 levels decreased, and this reduction was observed also for other inflammatory and pro-thrombotic markers like C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and ferritin, suggesting a general recovery trend in MIS-C patients. In fact, we observed that serum ESM-1 levels positively correlated with procalcitonin (PCT) (r = 0.468; p = 0.043). Finally, logistic regression analysis demonstrated an association between endocan levels and cardiac complications like myocarditis. Therefore, this study suggests that ESM-1 is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with MIS-C that may help identify those MIS-C patients at higher risk for cardiovascular complications and guide treatment strategies.

The Relationship between Vascular Biomarkers (Serum Endocan and Endothelin-1), NT-proBNP, and Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease, IgA Nephropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the strongest vasoconstrictor materials in the blood. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with renal function and poor outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum endocan is a biomarker associated with proinflammatory cytokines, and the increase in the serum level plays a critical role in inflammatory, proliferative, and neovascularization processes and is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD too. Identifying high-risk patients using biomarkers could help to optimize their treatment. Ninety patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN were included in the study (50 males/40 females, mean age: 54.9 ± 14.4 years). Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Echocardiography was performed, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by SphygmoCor in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups based on serum endocan median level (cut-off: 44 ug/L). There was significantly higher aorta systolic blood pressure (SBPao) (p = 0.013), NT-proBNP (p = 0.028), albumin/creatinine ratio (p = 0.036), and uric acid (p = 0.045) in the case of the higher endocan group compared to the lower. There was also significantly higher SBPao (p = 0.037) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.038) in the case of higher endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels compared to the lower (cut-off: 231 pg/mL) group by the two-sample t-test. Then, we divided the patients into two groups based on the eGFR (CKD 1–2 vs. CKD 3–5). The levels of serum endocan, NT-proBNP, cfPWV, SBPao, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), uric acid, and albuminuria were significantly higher in the CKD 3–5 group compared to the CKD 1–2 group. The serum endocan and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the diastolic dysfunction group (p = 0.047, p = 0.015). There was a significant increase in serum endocan levels (CKD 1 vs. CKD 5; p = 0.008) with decreasing renal function. In IgAN, vascular biomarkers (endocan, ET-1) may play a role in endothelial dysfunction through vascular damage and elevation of SBPao. Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP biomarkers may help to identify IgAN patients at high risk.

Serum Endocan Levels in Children with Acute Rheumatic Fever.

Acute rheumatic fever is an immunologically delayed autoimmune sequel of throat infection caused by group A streptococcus. The aim of this study was to evaluate endocan levels in patients with acute rheumatic fever and compare with the control group. The aim of this study was to evaluate endocan levels in patients with acute rheumatic fever and compare with the control group. Twenty-three children with acute rheumatic fever (11 men, 12 females; mean age 13 ± 2.7 years; range 5 to 15 years) and a healthy control group of 31 children (16 men, 15 females; mean age 13.8 ± 2.4 years; range 5 to 15 years) were recruited. The sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, antistreptolysin-O titres, and endocan levels were examined in each group. Before anti-inflammatory therapy, endocan levels in the acute rheumatic fever group were not statistically significant to those in the control group, respectively (200.64 ng/L, 120.71 ng/L, P = 0.208). After anti-inflammatory therapy, endocan levels were significantly higher in the acute rheumatic fever group than in the control group, respectively (260.87 ng/L vs. 120.71 ng/L, P < 0.01). A significant difference was found in endocan levels before and after anti-inflammatory therapy in the group of acute rheumatic fever, respectively (200.64 ng/L vs. 260.87 ng/L, P = 0.033). Endocan levels after anti-inflammatory therapy were statistically higher in the severe carditis group compared to those of the mild carditis group, respectively (344.56 ng/L vs. 191.01 ng/L, P < 0.01). Our study showed that serum endocan levels increased during the subacute phase of acute rheumatic fever. We suggest that serum endocan level can be used as a new biomarker to identify the degree of cardiac involvement in acute rheumatic fever.

Endocan as a biomarker for acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endocan is a marker of endothelial damage. Data regarding the association of this proteoglycan and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is discrepant. Hence, this study sought to investigate the possible correlation between serum/plasma endocan concentration and ARDS. A systematic review and meta-analysis of international online databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science were searched in March 2023, with the leading search terms being "ARDS" OR "respiratory distress" AND "endocan" and other associated terms. Studies that measured endocan levels in patients with ARDS and compared it with non-ARDS controls or within different severities of ARDS were included. We performed a random-effect meta-analysis for pooling the differences using standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We included 14 studies involving 1,058 patients. Those developing ARDS had significantly higher levels of endocan compared to those without ARDS (SMD: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.10-0.84, p = 0.01). Our meta-analysis of three studies found that endocan levels in ARDS nonsurvivors were significantly higher than in survivors (SMD: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.02-0.60, p = 0.03). Three studies investigated endocan levels in different severities of ARDS. Only one of these studies reported significantly higher endocan levels in patients with worsening acute respiratory failure at Day 15. The other two reported no significant association between ARDS severity and circulating endocan levels. Blood endocan levels were significantly higher in patients with ARDS than those without. Additionally, among patients with ARDS, blood endocan values were significantly elevated in nonsurvivors compared to survivors. These findings could help researchers design future studies and solidify these findings and finally, clinicians to take advantage of measuring endocan in clinical settings for assessment of patients with ARDS.

P107 THE EFFECT OF MELDONIUM ON THE ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION ASSESSED BY PLASMA ENDOCAN LEVEL IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Background and Objective: Endothelial dysfunction is one of the main findings in patients with arterial hypertension. It is associated with atherosclerosis initiation and progression. Lately, a soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan Endocan is used as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with big variety of diseases. Hence, aim of our study was to assess effect of competitive inhibitor of carnitine-dependent fatty acid oxidation and promoter of anaerobic oxidation via the glycolytic pathway, Meldonium, on endothelial function in patients with arterial hypertension. Methods: 30 nonsmoker, non-obese male patients with stage II hypertension (ESH/ESC 2018) were involved in a study. 15 patients were put on recommended antihypertensive treatment plan and other 15 patients on conventional plus Meldoneum 1000 mg per day treatment for 3 months. Endocan level was tested before and after 3 months of treatment period. Hypertension was diagnosed as an average office blood pressure of three different visits equal or more than 140/90 mmHg. Written informed consent letters were obtained from all the participants. Results: Mean age and average blood pressure of study groups were not different between conventional and conventional plus Meldonium groups (48.6±6.94 vs 51.53±7.22 years old and 148/94 vs 151/95; P= NS for both). Initial plasma endocan level also was similar between the two groups (1.920±0.625 for Meldonium and 1.854±0.391 for conventional treatment; P=NS). In comparison with initial level, plasma endocan level significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment with conventional plus Meldonium treatment (1.920±0.625 vs 1.344±0.041; P&lt;0.05). Statistically significant difference of endocan level change after 3 month of treatment with conventional antihypertensive agents was not observed (1.854±0.391 vs 1.75±0.649; P=NS). Conclusion: Obtained results indicate, that 1 g/day Meldonium on top of conventional guideline recommended antihypertensive regimen significantly improves endothelial function assessed via plasma endocan level. Further studies are needed to confirm these results on a bigger population samples.

Relationship between angiogenesis biomarker endocan and apolipoproteins in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Aim: In the current study, serum levels of endocan in patients attended with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, as well as the possible correlation with apolipoprotein-A1 (APO-A1) and APO-B were investigated.Materials & methods: In 80 men, endocan, cTnI, APO-A1, and APO-B levels were measured. Finally, the correlation of endocan with APO-A1, APO-B, and APO-B/ APO-A1 ratio was assessed.Results: Significant changes in APO-A1, APO-B, endocan levels, and APO-B/APO-A1 ratio were found in acute myocardial infarction cases compared with the control arm (p<0.05). In addition, our finding showed a significant correlation between APO-B and endocan levels, but not APO-A.Conclusion: High endocan level is an independent indicator of endothelial dysfunction and ischemic cardiovascular conditions, which could be related to APO-B.

Ascitic ENDOCAN as a Useful Marker in the Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Abstract Background Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious, recurrent, and life-threatening condition developing in cirrhotic patients with a high mortality rate. Its diagnosis is based on ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to be more than 250/μL. Endocan is a proteoglycan (PG) secreted by vascular endothelium, its serum level is elevated with an inflammatory or a malignant process. Aim of the Work to evaluate the potential role of ascitic fluid levels of endocan as an appropriate marker for prediction and early diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients and Methods This was Prospective cohort study, was conducted in hepatology Unit of Ain Shams University Hospital over 100 patients with liver cirrhosis classified into two groups: (Non-SBP): included 50 patients of decompensated cirrhosis with sterile (non SBP) ascites, (SBP): included 50 Adult patients with liver cirrhosis and SBP, during a Period 6 months. All patients were subjected to: Full history taking, Clinical examination, Routine investigations, Radiology investigations, Determination of ascitic endocan levels by ELISA. Result The main results of the study revealed that: There was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard personal data. There was a high statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regardsChild-Pugh score. There was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard LFT. There was statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard WBCs. There was statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard INR. There was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard creatinine. There was statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard Ascetic endocan. Conclusion In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ascitic endocan level is an independent risk factor for SBP and has a high diagnostic value for detecting SBP in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Serum Endocan Is a Risk Factor for Aortic Stiffness in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Background and Objectives: Endocan, secreted from the activated endothelium, is a key player in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate the link between endocan and aortic stiffness in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. Materials and Methods: After recruiting HD patients from a medical center, their baseline characteristics, blood sample, and anthropometry were assessed and recorded. The serum endocan level was determined using an enzyme immunoassay kit, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) measurement was used to evaluate aortic stiffness. Results: A total of 122 HD patients were enrolled. Aortic stiffness was diagnosed in 53 patients (43.4%), who were found to be older (p = 0.007) and have a higher prevalence of diabetes (p < 0.001) and hypertension (p = 0.030), higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.011), and higher endocan levels (p < 0.001), when compared with their counterparts. On the multivariate logistic regression model, the development of aortic stiffness in patients on chronic HD was found to be associated with endocan [odds ratio (OR): 1.566, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.224-2.002, p < 0.001], age (OR: 1.040, 95% CI: 1.001-1.080, p = 0.045), and diabetes (OR: 4.067, 95% CI: 1.532-10.798, p = 0.005), after proper adjustment for confounders (adopting diabetes, hypertension, age, systolic blood pressure, and endocan). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.713 (95% CI: 0.620-0.806, p < 0.001) for predicting aortic stiffness by the serum endocan level, at an optimal cutoff value of 2.68 ng/mL (64.15% sensitivity, 69.57% specificity). Upon multivariate linear regression analysis, logarithmically transformed endocan was proven as an independent predictor of cfPWV (β = 0.405, adjusted R2 change = 0.152; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The serum endocan level positively correlated with cfPWV and was an independent predictor of aortic stiffness in chronic HD patients.

Novel prognostic impact and cell specific role of endocan in patients with coronary artery disease.

Both the clinical and mechanistic impacts of endocan were not well elucidated especially in coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic and potential pathological role of endocan for cardiovascular (CV) events in stable CAD patients. A total of 1,071 stable CAD patients with previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled prospectively in a nationwide Biosignature study. Another cohort of 76 CAD patients with or without PCI were enrolled for validation. Baseline biomarkers including endocan level was measured and total CV events especially hard CV events (including CV mortality, non-fatal myocardial infection and stroke) during follow-up were identified. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as an in vivo biological contributor to vascular repairment from CAD patients were used for the in vitro functional study. After 24months, there were 42 patients (3.92%) with hard CV events and 207 (19.3%) with total CV events in the study group. The incidence of both events was increased with the tertiles of baseline endocan level (hard events: 1.7%,3.4%, and 6.7% in 1st,2nd, and 3rd tertile respectively, p = 0.002; total events: 13.8%vs.16.2%vs.28.0%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed the independent association of endocan level with total and hard CV events. These findings were validated in another cohort with a 5-year follow-up. Furthermore, in vitro inhibition of endocan improved cell migration and tube formation capacities, and reduced cell adhesiveness of EPCs from CAD patients. Endocan might be a novel prognostic indicator, mechanistic mediator, and potential therapeutic target for clinical CAD.

Endocan: A biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, linking maternal obesity and pediatric obesity in a cohort of preterm neonates

ObjectivesNumerous animal and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a positive association between maternal obesity in pregnancy and obesity in offspring. The biologic mechanisms of this association remain under investigation. One proposed mechanism includes fetoplacental endothelial dysfunction secondary to inflammation. Endocan is a relatively new biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Our objectives were to examine (1) the association between maternal obesity and neonatal serum endocan at birth, and (2) the association between neonatal serum endocan at birth and pediatric obesity at 24–36 months of age. Study DesignThis was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of neonates born < 33 weeks gestation. Serum endocan was collected within 48 hours of birth. Serum endocan levels were compared in neonates born to obese mothers vs. those born to non-obese mothers. BMI data were retrospectively collected from cohort neonates between 24 and 36 months of age. ResultsThe analysis included 120 mother/neonate dyads. Neonates born to obese mothers had higher median serum endocan at birth compared to neonates born to non-obese mothers (299 ng/L [205–586] vs. 251 ng/L [164–339], p = 0.045). In a linear regression modeled on neonatal serum endocan level, maternal obesity had a statistically significant positive association (p = 0.021). Higher mean serum endocan level at birth was associated with pediatric obesity between 24 and 36 months (obese vs. non-obese offspring; 574 ng/L (222) vs. 321 ng/L (166), p = 0.005). ConclusionsIn our cohort of preterm neonates, elevated serum endocan at birth was associated with both maternal obesity and downstream pediatric obesity. More research is needed to understand intergenerational transmission of obesity. A large focus has been on epigenetic modification. Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation may play important roles in these pathways. Effective biomarkers, including endocan, may also serve as intermediate outcomes in future pregnancy research.

Investigation of Serum Endocan Levels in SARS-CoV-2 Patients.

Endocan is an endothelial-cell-specific proteoglycan (ESM-1) and has emerged as an endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory marker in recent years. Endocan can be used as a marker of inflammatory endothelial dysfunction in endothelium-dependent disease: cardiovascular disease, sepsis, lung and kidney disease and malignancies. Recent data suggest that endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Endotheliitis and thrombo-inflammation are associated with severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and endocan is currently under investigation as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker. The aim of this study was to determine serum endocan levels in patients with COVID-19 to evaluate the correlation between endocan levels and clinical disease diagnosis and prognosis. This study enrolled 56 patients, divided into three groups depending on disease severity: mild (15), moderate (25) and severe (16). The biochemical, demographic, clinical and imagistic data were collected and evaluated in correlation with the endocan levels. Serum endocan levels were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients compared to the control group; also, endocan concentration correlated with vaccination status. The results revealed significantly elevated serum endocan levels in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group, with a correlation observed between endocan concentration and vaccination status. These findings suggest that endocan may serve as a novel biomarker for detecting inflammation and endothelial dysfunction risk in COVID-19 patients. There was no significant relationship between serum endocan levels and disease severity or the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Endocan can be considered a novel biomarker for the detection of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction risk in COVID-19 patients.

Evaluation of Serum Endocan Level and Erectile Functions in Patients with Psoriasis

Evaluation of Serum Endocan Level and Erectile Functions in Patients with Psoriasis

Endocan may predict the presence of coronary slow flow and coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequent, but coronary slow flow (CSF) is a less common cardiovascular disease with a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. Endocan is a proinflammatory glycopeptide that has been investigated in cardiovascular diseases as well as some inflammatory diseases in recent years. We planned to compare the levels of endocan in both CAD and CSF in a similar population and examine the relationship of endocan with additional clinical variables. In the trial, we included 169 consecutive subjects having a coronary angiography indication. According to the results of coronary angiography, 58 people were included in the CAD group, 52 were in the CSF group, and 59 people were in the control group. The control group includes those who did not have any lesions in their epicardial coronary arteries. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI)-frame counts (TFC) were calculated for all patients. Notably, 2.6% of the population in our study had CSF. Both the CAD (555±223 pg/mL) and CSF (559±234 pg/mL) groups had higher endocan levels than the control group (331±252 pg/mL) (p<0.001). There were similar endocan levels between the CAD and CSF groups. Endocan levels were shown to be favorably associated with mean TFC (r=0.267; p0.001). Serum endocan levels (particularly those above 450 pg/mL) and the presence of hyperlipidemia were the most important predictors of both CAD and CSF. Endocan levels are higher in CAD and CSF patients than in those with normal coronary arteries.

The Relationship Between Endocan and Serum Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Senile Calcific Aortic Stenosis.

Endocan is an indicator of many pathologies accompanied by inflammation, endothelial cell activation, and dysfunction. In this study, we examined the relationship between degenerative aortic sclerosis, which progresses in a similar pathophysiologic mechanism as atherosclerosis, and serum inflammatory markers and endocan levels. A total of 155 patients without known coronary artery disease, aged between 65 and 80 years, were consecutively included in the prospective cross-sectional study. The study population was analyzed in 4 different groups. The control group consisted of patients with normal aortic valve structure, while patients with aortic stenosis were classified as mild aortic stenosis (2-2.9 m/s), moderate aortic stenosis (3-3.9 m/s), and severe aortic stenosis (≥ 4 m/s) according to their aortic velocity. While there were 39 patients in the control group, there were 58, 24, and 34 patients in the mild, moderate, and severe aortic stenosis groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of patient distribution and characteristics. History of dyspnea and angina was correlated with the severity of aortic stenosis (P <.001). In this study, no statistically significant correlation was found between serum endocan levels and the severity of aortic stenosis (control group: 17.3 ± 6.3 ng/mL, mild aortic stenosis: 17.6 ± 8.7 ng/mL, moderate aortic stenosis: 16.3 ± 3.8 ng/mL, severe aortic stenosis: 15.2 ± 5.9 ng/mL, P =.396). However, it was figured out that there was a positive correlation between endocan levels and hemoglobin (Hg) (r = 0.308, P =.001), platelet (PLT) (r = 0.320, P <.001), and albumin (Alb) (r = 0.206, P =.026). In this study, no significant correlation was found between serum endocan levels and the severity of aortic stenosis. On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between endocan levels and Hg, PLT, and Alb.

Blood endocan as a biomarker for breast cancer recurrence.

Endocan was reported to affect breast cancer patients negatively and was able to be detected from patients' blood. This study aimed to investigate if the measurement of blood endocan in breast cancer patients with high ESM1 expression could be an effective tool to detect postoperative recurrence compared with existing tumor markers. Blood was collected before and after the tumor resection from the mouse models of breast cancer, and endocan levels were measured while visualizing metastatic recurrence with noninvasive luminescence imaging. In clinical settings, blood was withdrawn from 16 breast cancer patients before and after the tumor resection, and the effect of lumpectomy on blood endocan level was evaluated. Additionally, the blood endocan from 20patients diagnosed with postoperative recurrence was measured, and their positivity rate for endocan was compared with that for serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3). Our preclinical and clinical experiments revealed that blood endocan levels reflected tumor burden. Furthermore, over 60% of patients suffering from postoperative recurrence who tested negative for CEA or CA15-3 were positive for endocan. Our results support the clinical significance of endocan in breast cancer patients for detecting breast cancer recurrence.

Muco-bioadhesive gel containing basil extract (Ocimum basilicum) in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized clinical and immunological study

Background Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is a widespread highly prevalent disorder that impairs the life quality of the affected persons and leads to difficulties in daily activities such as talking, eating, and oral hygiene maintenance. Aim To evaluate the efficiency of basil extract (Ocimum basilicum) loaded in poly (vinylacohol)–borate hydrogel for topical application in the treatment of RAU. Patients and methods Twenty patients with a clear history of frequent eruption of RAU, their ages ranges between 18 and 45 years, and presented with mucosal ulcer (2 days or less duration and ≥4 mm in diameter). The patients were randomly allocated into two groups, group I (test group): 10 patients treated with mucoadhesive gel containing 2% of basil extract. Group II (placebo group): 10 patients treated with placebo gel. The healing period, pain scale, and the size of the ulcer were evaluated. Salivary endocan was collected at baseline and 5 days after materials application. Results There was no significant difference between the test and control group, while there were statistically significant differences between them and the healthy group at baseline clinically and immunologically. At 5 days there was a significant reduction in the degree of pain sensation, healing period, ulcer size, and decrease in the level of salivary endocan for both groups with statistically significant differences between them observed in the test group more than the control group in all tested parameters. Conclusion Using the muco-bioadhesive gel containing basil extract (O. basilicum) shows promise as a therapy for the management of patients with RAU.

Endocan, a novel glycoprotein with multiple biological activities, may play important roles in neurological diseases.

Endothelial cell specific-1 (ESM-1), also known as endocan, is a soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan that is mainly secreted by endothelial cells. Endocan is associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression and is also related to cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and sepsis. The phenylalanine-rich region and linear polysaccharide of endocan are necessary for the protein to exert its biological functions. Elevated plasma endocan levels reflect endothelial activation and dysfunction. In addition, endocan participates in complex inflammatory responses and proliferative processes. Here, we reviewed current research on endocan, elaborated the protein's structure and biological functions, and speculated on its possible clinical value in nervous system diseases. We conclude that endocan may be a glycoprotein that plays an important role in neurological disorders.

721 Umbilical artery endocan level increases with maternal BMI

721 Umbilical artery endocan level increases with maternal BMI

Changes in plasma endocan level are related to circulatory but not respiratory failure in critically ill patients with COVID-19

The aim of this prospective, observational study was to assess whether changes in the level of endocan, a marker of endothelial damage, may be an indicator of clinical deterioration and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Endocan and clinical parameters were evaluated in 40 patients with acute respiratory failure on days 1–5 after admission to the intensive care unit. Endocan levels were not related to the degree of respiratory failure, but to the presence of cardiovascular failure. In patients with cardiovascular failure, the level of endocan increased over the first 5 days (1.63, 2.50, 2.68, 2.77, 3.31 ng/mL, p = 0.016), while in patients without failure it decreased (1.51, 1.50, 1.56, 1.42, 1.13 ng/mL, p = 0.046). In addition, mortality was more than twice as high in patients with acute cardiovascular failure compared to those without failure (68% vs. 32%, p = 0.035). Baseline endocan levels were lower in viral than in bacterial infections (1.57 ng/mL vs. 5.25 ng/mL, p < 0.001), with a good discrimination between infections of different etiologies (AUC of 0.914, p < 0.001). In conclusion, endocan levels are associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular failure in COVID-19 and depend on the etiology of the infection, with higher values for bacterial than for viral sepsis.

Correlation of Serum Endocan Level With Apoptosis Indicators and Severity of Atherosclerotic Lesions of Coronary Arteries in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease.

Aim To study the relationship of blood serum concentration of endocan with indexes of apoptosis and clinical and instrumental characteristics of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD).Material and methods The study included 176 subjects (105 men and 71 women). 150 of them were diagnosed with IHD and 26 were healthy volunteers. Anthropometric measurements, coronary angiography, echocardiography, duplex ultrasound scanning of extracranial parts of the brachiocephalic arteries were performed for all patients. Concentrations of endocan (ng / ml), glucose (mmol / l), and apoptotic markers Bcl-2 (ng / ml), Bax (ng / ml), Bcl-2 / Bax, TRAIL (pg / ml), and p53 (ng / ml) were measured in blood serum. Patients were divided into groups based on their SYNTAX scores: group 1 with moderate atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries (CA) (score &lt; 22, 78 patients); group 2 with severe CA atherosclerosis (score 23-32, 37 patients); and group 3 with extremely severe CA lesions (score &gt;33, 35 patients). The control group consisted of healthy volunteers (26 subjects). All groups were age- and sex-matched. Differences were considered statistically significant at p&lt;0.05.Results A correlation was found between endocan concentration and IHD severity (r=0.32, p&lt;0.001). In group 1, the median endocan concentration was 14.57 ng / ml [8.21; 23.66], in group 2, 19.34 ng / ml [8.425; 26.645], in group 3, 32.13 ng / ml [18.2; 39.12], and in the control group, 6.92 ng / ml [4.62; 9.18]. Correlations of varying strength and significance were observed between the endocan concentration and a number of clinical and instrumental characteristics. Endocan concentrations significantly differed in groups of patients with multifocal atherosclerosis (p&lt;0.01), angina pectoris (p&lt;0.01), a history of myocardial infarction (p&lt;0.001), and obesity (p&lt;0.05) from patients without these signs. Also, a correlation was found between serum endocan concentration and apoptotic markers: TRAIL (r= -0.448, p&lt;0.001); BCL-2 (r= -0.552, p&lt;0.001), Bax (r= -0.519, p&lt;0.001), Bcl-2 / Bax (r= -0.576, p&lt;0.001) and p53 (r= -0.520, p &lt;0.001).Conclusion The study demonstrated a potential role of endocan as a promising biomarker for risk stratification, prognosis and therapeutic monitoring of IHD patients.