Endocan Levels Research Articles

The role of endocan and selected pro-inflammatory cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus.

IntroductionSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are involved in its pathogenesis. Endocan is a novel marker of endothelial dysfunction and is likely to be engaged in proinflammatory processes in SLE.AimTo determine whether endocan serum concentration in SLE patients vary from healthy controls.Material and methodsThe study included 36 patients with SLE. SLEDAI-2K score was used to assess disease activity. The control group comprised 23 healthy volunteers. ELISA kits were used to assess serum concentrations of endocan, IL-1β, TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP).ResultsThe serum concentration of endocan was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the SLE group than in healthy individuals. A positive correlation was found between serum levels of endocan and IL-1β (r = 0.47, p < 0.05). Active SLE patients (SLEDAI-2K score above 6 points) with an elevated total cholesterol level (above 5.17 mmol/l) were found to have VEGF concentration higher than those with a normal cholesterol level (p < 0.03). No other relevant relationships were found between the serum concentration of endocan, other laboratory parameters, anthropometric features, activity and duration of SLE.ConclusionsA higher serum level of endocan in SLE patients indicates its possible role in the pathogenesis of the disease and reflects endothelial dysfunction. Our findings indicate that endocan could serve as a potential marker of endothelial dysfunction in SLE.

Is endocan a novel potential biomarker of liver steatosis and fibrosis?

Studies that evaluated endocan levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis are scarce. We aimed to explore endocan levels in relation to different stages of liver diseases, such as NAFLD, as determined with fatty liver index (FLI) and liver fibrosis, as assessed with BARD score. A total of 147 participants with FLI≥60 were compared with 64 participants with FLI <30. An FLI score was calculated using waist circumference, body mass index, gamma-glutamyl transferase and triglycerides. Patients with FLI≥60 were further divided into those with no/mild fibrosis (BARD score 0-1 point; n=23) and advanced fibrosis (BARD score 2-4 points; n=124). BARD score was calculated as follows: diabetes mellitus (1 point) + body mass index≥28 kg/m2 (1 point) + aspartate amino transferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio≥0.8 (2 points). Endocan was independent predictor for FLI and BARD score, both in univariate [OR=1.255 (95% CI= 1.104-1.426), P=0.001; OR=1.208 (95% CI=1.029-1.419), P=0.021, respectively] and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis [OR=1.287 (95% CI=1.055-1.570), P=0.013; OR=1.226 (95% CI=1.022-1.470), P=0.028, respectively]. Endocan as a single predictor showed poor discriminatory capability for steatosis/fibrosis [AUC=0.648; (95% CI=0.568-0.727), P=0.002; AUC= 0.667 (95% CI=0.555-0.778), P=0.013, respectively], whereas in a Model, endocan showed an excellent clinical accuracy [AUC=0.930; (95% CI=0.886-0.975), P<0.001, AUC=0.840 (95% CI=0.763-0.918), P<0.001, respectively]. Endocan independently correlated with both FLI and BARD score. However, when tested in models (with other biomarkers), endocan showed better discriminatory ability for liver steatosis/fibrosis, instead of its usage as a single biomarker.

Serum endocan and preoperative systemic inflammatory markers in patients with epilepsy

ObjectiveThe mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis are still a focus of experimental and clinical research. Inflammation and angiogenesis are the two main topics that have been an area of interest recently. The present study assessed serum levels of endocan, an inflammatory and angiogenesis-promoting molecule, and of preoperative inflammatory markers (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)) in adult patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. MethodsTwenty-one patients with epilepsy and 21 healthy controls were included. From patients, serum was collected twice: before and within a week after surgery. From controls, serum was collected once. Serum endocan was studied by ELISA and preoperative NLR and PLR were obtained from preoperative hemogram parameters. ResultsPreoperative serum endocan levels in patients were significantly higher than in controls. There was no difference between patients and controls regarding preoperative NLR and PLR. After surgery, serum endocan levels decreased in patients, with no further difference compared to controls. Serum endocan levels, NLR and PLR correlated positively, but not significantly, with epilepsy duration and seizure frequency. ConclusionsAngiogenesis and low-grade inflammation may play a role in the development and progression of epilepsy. We suggest that larger cohort of epilepsy patients with longer-term follow-up should be studied.

An evaluation of biomarkers indicating endothelial cell damage, inflammation and coagulation in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Abstract Objective Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is characterized by generalized vasculitis. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is unknown, but inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have been held responsible. Therefore, herein we investigated serum levels of biomarkers indicating endothelial cell damage, inflammation and coagulation in children with HSP. Materials and methods Twenty six patients with HSP and 26 healthy children were included in the study. Routine biochemical tests and laboratory parameters showing inflammation, coagulation, and endothelial cell damage were examined in all subjects. Results White blood cell (WBC) number, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil/lymphocyte rate (NLR), triglyceride, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and C3 were significantly higher in children with HSP than the controls. HDL and albumin levels were lower in the patients with HSP. Endocan levels were not significantly different between the HSP and control groups (p = 0.884). Serum endocan levels in patients with HSP were inversely correlated only with activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (r = −0.485, p = 0.012). Conclusion Coagulation abnormalities and increased acute phase reactants were present in patients with HSP while no difference was determined in endocan levels.

Endocan Expression Profile in Different Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and presents increasing incidence and mortality trends in the world, with a mortality rate of 14.33. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes 90 of all malignancies in the oral cavity. In spite of new therapeutic strategies, the risk of metastasis and mortality rate is still very high. Methods: A total of 54 samples (18 samples of each grade) were collected from the archives of the Pathology Department of Be’sat Educational Hospital, Hamadan, Iran from 2000 to 2017. The specimens were processed for immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Besides, the samples were stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) method for vasculogenic mimicry (VM) detection. Results: The chi-square test showed statistically significant differences between the expression level of endocan and lesion grade in the research groups (P = 0.025), lesion grade and VM formation (P = 0.001), and tumor grade and microvessel density (MVD) count (P = 0.000). Conclusions: The results suggest that endocan mediates tumor progression possibly via a few mechanisms such as cancer stem cells (CSCs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and VM formation. Further studies are required to reveal the mechanisms, by which the endocan acts as an oncogene. In addition, endocan could be considered as one of the tumor markers and a possible new target for cancer therapy. © 2019, Author(s).

Is Endocan a Novel Diagnostic Marker for the Severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants?

IntroductionEndocan levels were found to be associated with severity and mortality of the respiratory system diseases. ObjectiveWe aimed to figure out whether endocan was an important marker for the diagnosis, severity and follow-up of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Materials and methodsInfants with moderate/severe BPD, and who required hydrocortisone treatment were included in the study group. Infants without BPD were allocated in the control group. Endocan levels were compared between the control group and the study group, and before and after the treatment in the study group. ResultsA total of 148 infants, 74 infants in the control group and 74 infants in the BPD group, were included. The endocan level was higher in the BPD group than in the control group (P = .001). Endocan levels before treatment in the BPD group was found to be higher than endocan level after treatment (P = .021). ConclusionOur study found that endocan levels increased in moderate/severe BPD. Serum endocan levels may be a safe and novel indicator for the follow-up of response to treatment and the prognosis of the severity of the disease.

Impact of surgical technique on the development of post-operative vasoplegia

Introduction Vasoplegia after cardiothoracic surgery is associated with severe post-operative complications and worse outcomes. Despite recent innovations, lung transplantation (LTx) remains one of the highest risk surgeries. We hypothesise that the avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the use of lesser invasive surgical approaches, namely the “minimally invasive” thoracotomy approach (MI) compared to the traditional Clam shell technique (CS), may reduce the incidence of vasoplegia post-operatively. Furthermore, we explore the association of vasoplegia and endothelial dysfunction by analysing the plasma release of endocan. Methods 90 patients received a LTx between October 2013 and June 2015 at Harefield Hospital. 40 were recruited in our prospective study. Clinical data, including surgical approach, use of CPB and OCS were recorded. Vasoplegia in the first 48 hours was defined according to Tsiouris et al (1). Plasma levels of endocan were then measured by ELISA at baseline and at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 after Ltx. Data were analysed and reported as appropriate. Results 7 patients (44%) in the CPB group developed vasoplegia vs. 6 (46%) in the off-group (p 0.305), 3 after unexpected conversion to CPB (30% of the unexpected CPB group, p 0.302). Within the surgical approach groups, 8 patients (32%) of the CS group developed vasoplegia compared to 5 patients (33%) of the MILT-group (p 1.000). Patients in the vasoplegic group showed a tendency for longer CPB time (146 [81, 230] min vs. 110 [44, 184] min, p 0.470) and surgery duration (335 [290, 425] min vs. 310 [270, 435] min, p 0.690). Only 1 patient developed vasoplegia after OCS-LTx (20%, p 1.000). 2 patients in the vasoplegia group (15%) required re-exploration for bleeding vs. 2 (7%) in the no-vasoplegia group (7%, p 0.584). One patient required ECMO during the ITU stay and he was vasoplegic. Endocan levels were similar during the first 48 hours after LTx and between groups. Discussion Here, we demonstrate a high incidence of vasoplegia after LTx. The development of vasoplegia was not affected by either the surgical approach or the use of CPB. In addition, we found no evidence for association between vasoplegia and endothelial dysfunction. However, vasoplegia may be related to longer duration of CPB and surgery. Further studies are needed to identify mechanisms of vasoplegia following LTx.

Endocan and a novel score for dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation (DOI score) are independently correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

IntroductionWe aimed to examine serum endocan level and the summary involvement of dyslipidemia, oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation by calculation of its comprehensive score (i.e. Dyslipidemia-Oxy-Inflammation (DOI) score) in relation to glucoregulation in subjects with prediabetes and overt type 2 diabetes (T2D).Material and methodsA total of 59 patients with prediabetes and 102 patients with T2D were compared with 117 diabetes-free controls. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), inflammation, OS and lipid parameters were measured. Associations of clinical data with HbA1c level were tested with univariate and multivariate logistic ordinal regression analysis. HbA1c as a dependent variable is given at the ordinal level (i.e. < 5.7%; 5.7–6.4%, > 6.4%, respectively).ResultsEndocan was significantly higher in the T2D group than in the controls. As endocan concentration rose by 1 unit, the probability for higher HbA1c concentration increased by more than 3 times (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.84–7.01, p < 0.001). Also, a rise in the dyslipidemia score, oxy score, inflammation score and DOI score by 1 unit increased the probability of higher HbA1c concentration by 19%, 13%, 51% and 11%, respectively. In the models, after adjustment for confounding variables, endocan and DOI score remained independent predictors of HbA1c level.ConclusionsEndocan and DOI score are independently correlated with HbA1c in patients with prediabetes and overt T2D.

The utility of maternal serum endocan level to predict preterm delivery within seven days in patients with threatened preterm labor

Objective The aim of the current study was to determine serum endocan levels in patients with threatened preterm labor and to assign whether endocan levels in patients with true preterm labor who give birth within 7 days differ from those of false preterm labor and uncomplicated pregnancy. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 58 patients diagnosed with threatened preterm labor and 31 healthy pregnant women matched for gestational age. Patients with threatened preterm labor were divided into two groups; preterm delivery (28) and term delivery (30) groups. Maternal serum endocan levels were measured with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results The median serum endocan level (pg/mL) in patients with threatened preterm labor was significantly higher than that of women with uncomplicated pregnancies (725, IQR 619–823 versus 310, IQR 218–423; p < .001 Figure 1). Subgroup analysis performed among threatened preterm labor group revealed that median serum endocan level (pg/mL) in preterm delivery group was higher compared with the other two groups (preterm 823, IQR 718–905 versus term 637, IQR 590–729 p < .001 and preterm 823, IQR 718–905 versus control 310, IQR 218–423 p < .001). The threshold value of maternal serum endocan level for predicting delivery within 7 days after admission was calculated 655 pg/mL, (the area under curve was 0.934, 95% CI 0.88–0.98, p < .001) with 85.7% sensitivity and 78.7% specificity. The mean cervical length measurement was significantly higher in the control group (p < .001); there was no significant difference in cervical length between the term and preterm delivery groups. Maternal characteristics including age, BMI, gravidity, gestational age at blood sampling, CRP and Hb levels were not significantly different between groups (p > .05). Conclusions The maternal serum endocan level may be a useful marker to define high risk group for preterm delivery in patients with threatened preterm labor and similar cervical length measures.

Serum endocan levels, carotid intima-media thickness and microalbuminuria in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension

ABSTRACTBackground: Endocan is a particular protein of endothelial cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of serum endocan levels with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), inflammation, and microalbuminuria in patients with newly-diagnosed hypertension.Materials-Methods: This prospective study included 61 patients with newly-diagnosed hypertension (HT) and 30 controls. Endocan, microalbuminuria and cIMT measurements were taken from all patients.Results: The serum endocan levels, the mean cIMT and microalbuminuria levels of patients with HT were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < .0001, p = .015 and p < .001, respectively).Conclusion: We found that endocan levels were increased in our study. This increase in endocan levels shows a relation with cIMT and microalbuminuria, which are associated with endothelial dysfunction.

Metformin Effect on Endocan Biogenesis in Human Endothelial Cells Under Diabetic Condition

Endocan is a novel endothelium-derived proteoglycan and may play a role in endothelial cells activity under diabetic conditions. Here, we evaluated the effect of high glucose concentration (30mmol glucose) on endocan level in presence or absence of metformin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were incubated with 30mmol glucose for 72h. High glucose content, metformin (2.5 to 500mmol) and compound C (10mmol) effects were assessed on cell viability. HUVECs migration was studied by scratch test. The changes in endocan expression and protein level were evaluated by RT-PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry assays. Griess reaction was used to measure NO levels. Functional activity of endothelial cells was monitored related to lipoprotein lipase activity using Dil-Ac-LDL uptake. p-AMPK/AMPK ratio was assessed by western blotting. Cells viability significantly was reduced under high glucose condition (p<0.05). 30mmol glucose inhibited HUVECs migration, whereas these features were improved by 50mmol metformin (p<0.05). Endocan transcription and protein levels were increased in diabetic HUVECs exposed to metformin (p<0.05). Metformin increased NO production in HUVECs under high glucose condition (p<0.001). Metformin increased LDL uptake capacity under high glucose condition (p<0.05). The addition of compound C blunted these effects. Western blot analysis confirmed the increase of p-AMPK/AMPK ratio in metformin-treated cells. Data demonstrated that metformin could promote angiogenic potential of endothelial cells which its reduction is a main cause in the development of diabetic foot ulcer, probably by the regulation of endocan dynamics under high glucose condition.

Can IL-33 and Endocan be New Markers for Retinopathy of Prematurity?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a pathophysiologic condition of the retina due to abnormal proliferation of retinal vessels. The study aimed too ascertain the importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), interleukin-33 (IL-33) and endocan in the diagnosis and follow-up of ROP. This prospective cohort study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Health Science University, Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between February 2017 and August 2018. Preterm infants (gestational age (GA) of ≤32 weeks and birth weight of ≤1500 gr), diagnosed ROP were included in the study. VEGF, IGF-1, IL-33 and endocan levels were evaluated in the cord blood and in the serum before and after treatment of infants in the ROP and control groups. A final number of 146 infants were included in the study. During the study period, 73 infants were identified as the ROP group, and 73 infants were allocated as the control group. In the ROP group, the cord blood VEGF value was higher than the control group (p <0.05). However, IGF-1 levels in the cord blood were lower in the ROP group than control (P<0.05). IL-33 and endocan values in the cord blood were similar in both control and ROP groups (p>0.05). Although serum levels of IL-33, VEGF and endocan were higher before laser treatment, these biomarkers decreased significantly after laser treatment (p <0.05). We determined that serum IL-33 and endocan levels might be suggested as sensitive novel markers for the prediction of severe ROP.

Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction in Bipolar Affective Disorders: Serum Endocan and Urotensin-II Levels.

ObjectiveThis study investigated changes in urotensin-II (U-II) and endocan levels which can be used as an early biological marker of endothelial injury in the episode and remission phases of bipolar affective disorder (BAD).MethodsWe compared endocan and U-II levels, which has been shown to be closely associated with neurotransmitter systems in addition to continuity of endothelial structure and inflammatory response, in patients with BAD in remission for at least one year (n=42) and in patients still in manic or depressive episodes (n=16) with healthy controls (n=30).ResultsBoth endocan and U-II levels were significantly higher in the bipolar patients than in the controls. Endocan and U-II levels were also significantly correlated with one another (p=0.000, r=0.833). Both endocan (p=0.000) and U-II levels (p=0.000) were significantly higher in the bipolar attack group compared to the subjects in remission, and in the remission group compared to the controls.ConclusionIn this study we determined significantly higher endocan and U-II levels in BAD compared to the controls, while serum endocan and U-II levels of patients undergoing attacks were also significantly higher than those of the controls and also those of patients in remission.

Endocan - a potential diagnostic marker for early onset sepsis in neonates.

Neonatal early onset sepsis assessment is based on the history of pregnancy and delivery and nonspecific clinical signs. None of the biomarkers currently in use for clinical practice has adequate prognostic value, so it is not possible to clearly distinguish neonates with culture-proven sepsis from those with only risk factors or clinical suspicion. Endocan is an endothelial mediator involved in the inflammatory response that is present in low concentrations in the serum of healthy subjects, and in much higher concentrations in patients with SIRS and septic shock. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of serum endocan serum levels as a biomarker for the diagnosis of neonatal early onset sepsis (EOS). Serum endocan concentration was measured in newborns with clinical suspicion of EOS admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on day 1, 3 and 7. Serum endocan levels were significantly increased in septic compared to non-septic neonates in the early stages of sepsis (2.43 ± 0.95 vs. 1.77 ± 0.57, p = 0.004), continued to rise up to 72 hours from onset and then decreased by the seventh day under treatment. These results suggest a potential role for endocan as an early marker for diagnosis and follow-up in neonatal EOS. Studies on a larger number of cases are needed in order to establish the practical utility of this molecule as a diagnostic tool for clinical practice.

Relationship between serum endocan levels and clinical follow-up in patients with acute pancreatitis: Can serum endocan be a biomarker for acute pancreatitis?

Giriş ve Amaç: Akut pankreatit seyrinde hastalığın prognozunu tayin etmek için birçok belirteç ve skorlama sistemleri kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada endocan düzeyinin hafif ve şiddetli pankreatit vakalarında C-reaktif protein, Ranson skoru, revize Atlanta skorlaması ve diğer laboratuvar göstergeleri ile ilişkisi karşılaştırılarak prognozu öngörmede öneminin araştırılması planlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmada 50 akut pankreatit hastası prospektif olarak incelendi, başvuru anı, 2. ve 7. günlerde endocan, biyokimyasal parametreler ve C-reaktif protein değerleri ölçüldü. Hastaların şikayet ile başvuru arasındaki zaman, yatış süreleri, skorlama sistemlerine göre pankreatit şiddeti Ranson ve revize Atlanta skoru olarak kaydedildi. Verilerin istatistiksel analizinde SPSS 22.0 paket programı kullanıldı. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 61.36±16.21 yıl olup olup %54’ü kadındı. Ranson skoruna göre 20 olgu (%30) şiddetli pankreatit idi. Endocan değerleri hafif pankreatit grubu ve şiddetli pankreatit grubu ile karşılaştırıldığında başvuru anında, 2. ve 7. günlerde anlamlı sonuç vermemiştir. Revize Atlanta skorlamasına göre sınıflandırılan hasta gruplarının serum endocan ile karşılaştırılmasında istatistiksel açıdan fark görülmedi. Pankreatit şiddeti için 2. gün bakılan C-reaktif protein şiddetli pankreatitte ortalama 95.05 mg/L, hafif pankreatitte ise 77.06 mg/L olarak saptandı. Diğer laboratuvar göstergelerinden alanin aminotransferaz, aspartat aminotransferaz, gama glutamil transferaz, alkalen fosfataz, total bilirübin ve direkt bilirübin hastalığın şiddeti ile korele saptandı. Sonuç: Akut pankreatit prognozu ile endocan arasındaki ilişkiyi daha net ortaya koymak için daha geniş kapsamlı prospektif çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.

Koroner Kronik Total Oklüzyonu Olan Hastalarda Serum Endokan Düzeyi ile Koroner Kollateral Dolaşım Arasındaki İlişki

Introduction: Endocan, a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, is synthesized and secreted by the vascular endothelium. It is involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, organ-specific inflammations, and angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between serum endocan level and development of coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with stable angina pectoris. Patients and Methods: Patients with stable angina with at least one chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) (n= 44) and who had normal coronary artery (n= 29) were included in the study. Collateral degree was evaluated according to the Rentrop and Cohen's classification. Patients who had grade 0 or 1 collateral filling were included in the poorly developed collateral group (n= 19), and those with grade 2 or 3 collateral filling were included in the well-developed collateral group (n= 23). Results: Endocan levels were significantly higher in patients in the well CCC group than in those in the poor CCC and control groups (p< 0.001). Endocan level is higher in patients with poorly developed CCC than in the control group. Endocan was only found as an independent predictor of well CCC in regression analysis (odds ratio 1.002, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.001-1.005, p= 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis detected an optimal cut-off value for endocan level of 1773.9 ng/L that predicted the presence of well development of CCC with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 63% (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve: 0.749, 95% CI: 0.654-0.849, p< 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated endocan level is associated with better CCC in patients with CTO. Endocan may play an important role in the development of CCC.

Maternal serum endocan concentrations are elevated in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Objectives To evaluate the maternal serum endocan levels in pregnant women complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to compare the results with healthy pregnancies. Methods This cohort study included 31 pregnant women with PPROM and 34 gestational age-matched healthy subjects in the third trimester of pregnancy. The blood for analysis was obtained on the day of diagnosis and serum endocan levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The pregnant women were observed until the delivery and perinatal data were noted. Results No significant differences regarding maternal age, body mass index, gravidity, parity and gestational age at sampling were observed (P > 0.05). Mean serum endocan level was significantly higher in the PPROM group than in healthy controls (1490 ± 632 pg/mL vs. 972 ± 586 pg/mL, respectively; P: 0.001). Serum endocan concentration was positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.754, P < 0.001) and white blood cells count (WBC) (r = 0.712, P:0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that endocan with a cut-off point of 1198 ng/dL indicated women with PPROM with sensitivity of 64.5% and specificity of 35.1% (area under curve 0.731, confidence interval 0.61-0.85). Conclusion Serum endocan level was significantly elevated in the PPROM patients than in healthy controls. The endocan level may be a useful indicator of endothelial dysfunction/inflammation in PPROM cases.

Is Endocan a Novel Diagnostic Marker for the Severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants?

IntroductionEndocan levels were found to be associated with severity and mortality of the respiratory system diseases. ObjectiveWe aimed to figure out whether endocan was an important marker for the diagnosis, severity and follow-up of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Materials and methodsInfants with moderate/severe BPD, and who required hydrocortisone treatment were included in the study group. Infants without BPD were allocated in the control group. Endocan levels were compared between the control group and the study group, and before and after the treatment in the study group. ResultsA total of 148 infants, 74 infants in the control group and 74 infants in the BPD group, were included. The endocan level was higher in the BPD group than in the control group (P = .001). Endocan levels before treatment in the BPD group was found to be higher than endocan level after treatment (P = .021). ConclusionOur study found that endocan levels increased in moderate/severe BPD. Serum endocan levels may be a safe and novel indicator for the follow-up of response to treatment and the prognosis of the severity of the disease.

Value of Endocan in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Sepsis is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the newborn. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital to improve outcome. Investigate the possible role for endocan in the diagnosis of neonatal early onst sepsis. 40 children were included in the study, 20 septic and 20 controls, all patients were subjected to full history and clinical assessment and labouratory tests as CBC, CRP and serum level of endocan by ELISA. Results: Neonatal Sepsis group showed significantly higher Endocan when compared to control group (p < 0.001),ROC curve of Endocan level was conducted for discrimination between neonatal sepsis cases and control groups. Endocan showed AUC (AUC=0.758). At cut off value of 21.4, sensitivity was 70%, specificity was 78.3%, PPV was 74.5%, NPV was 68.1%, accuracy was 70.8%. Serum endocan levels are significantly increased in septic compared to non-septic neonates in the early stages of sepsis. We suggest that endocan is an effective, reliable, and promising new biomarker for detecting neonatal sepsis.

Downregulation of ENDOCAN in myeloid leukemia cells inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis by suppressing nuclear factor‑κB activity.

Previous studies have demonstrated that ENDOCAN is elevated in leukemia, and it has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis. However, the functional role of ENDOCAN in the development of leukemia remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the expression levels of ENDOCAN were detected in THP‑1, U937, HL‑60 and K562 cells, and it was found that ENDOCAN was increased in U937 and K562 cells, compared with the other two cell lines. Subsequently, ENDOCAN was knocked down in U937 and K562 cells via lentiviral infection. It was found that cell proliferation and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen were inhibited in myeloid leukemia cells following the silencing of ENDOCAN. ENDOCAN knockdown induced G0/G1‑phase cell cycle arrest in myeloid leukemia cells with a decreased expression of cyclin D1. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was increased in response to ENDOCAN silencing, which was accompanied by the downregulation of B‑cell lymphoma (BCL2) and the upregulation of BCL2‑associated X protein, cleaved caspases 3 and 9, and cleaved poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the knockdown of ENDOCAN inhibited nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) activity, as evidenced by the increased expression of NF‑κB inhibitorα (IκBα), decreased expression of phosphorylated (p‑)IκBα, p‑P65 and nuclear P65, and reduced NF‑κB DNA‑binding activity. In combination, the present findings suggested that ENDOCAN may serve as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of leukemia.