Endocan Levels Research Articles

Уровень эндокана у пациентов с хронической болезнью почек

The relevance of the work is due to the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the population and high mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population. In this connection, it is necessary to search for new biomarkers in order to early identify individuals with cardiovascular risk in patients with CKD. The purpose of this study to assess the endocan level in patients with CKD depending on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), to study the relationship between the endocan level and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD. Material and methods. 153 respondents with various stages of CKD were examined. The study included socio-demographic, anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), glucose and endocan. Data analysis was performed using the statistical software package SPSS 22. Results and discussion. The respondents in the groups did not differ in such indicators as gender, age, marital status, frequency of active smoking, diabetes, body mass index (BMI). Significant differences were found in the level of education (p=0.04), income (p=0.008), systolic pressure (SBP) (p=0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p=0.0001). Levels of total cholesterol (cholesterol), (p=0.0001), uric acid (p=0.0001), cystatin C (p=0.0001) and endocan (p=0.0001) also had significant differences depending on GFR. Conclusion. A comparative analysis of the frequency of “traditional” cardiovascular risk factors among patients with various stages of CKD showed the absence of differences in the frequency of active smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity and the presence of significant differences in blood pressure and total cholesterol (p = 0.0001). Evaluation of the endocan level depending on the stage of CKD showed that with the progression of CKD, the endocan level increases significantly (p = 0.0001), which may indicate the progression of endothelial dysfunction with impaired renal function. Further studies are needed to determine the prognostic value of endocan in the development of cardiovascular events in patients with CKD. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, glomerular filtration rate, biomarkers, endocan.

Circulating Endocan in Subjects with Obesity and Carbohydrate Disturbances

Objective: Endothelial-specific molecule 1 (endocan) is expressed by endothelial cells and may have a major role in the regulation of cell adhesion and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Аim of this study is to evaluate endocan serum levels in patients with obesity and carbohydrate disturbances. Subjects and methods: The study group consisted of 163 patients with mean age 52,5±11,3 years, divided in four groups - obesity without carbohydrate disturbances, prediabetes, diabetes and 42 healthy individuals as a control group. Endocan levels were determined using a commercially available human enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: The levels of endocan were significantly higher in patients with prediabetes and obesity compared to the control group (618.92±874.29 ;425.85±391.76; vs.321.02±304.11pg/ml, p<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that endocan correlates positively with triglyceride (TG) (r=0.219;p<0.05), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (r=0.225;p<0.05), visceral adiposity index (VAI) (r=0.186;p<0.05) and negative with HDL (r= -0.176;p<0.05). We found higher level of endocan in patients with three or more components of MS as well as higher levels of endocan were found in patients with dyslipidemia (p<0.05). ROC analyses determined circulating endocan levels to be of value for differentiating subjects with prediabetes (AUC=0.670,p=0.007, as a cut-off value of ≥183pg/ml had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 65%) Conclusion: The levels of endocan were increased in patients with obesity and carbohydrate disturbances. Further studies will elucidate the role of the biomarker in development of type 2 diabetes and its complications

The vasodilatory mechanism of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in the human mesenteric artery in patients with colorectal cancer.

Recent studies have focused on the role of gasotransmitters in cancer progression and prevention. Therefore, the current study was designed to explore the vasodilator activity of NO and H2S in the human mesenteric arteries of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) via the activation of K+ channels. A total of two sets of experiments were established for the current investigation. Blood samples from patients with CRC were obtained to detect serum levels of endocan and malondialdehyde (MDA). The role of K+ channels in mediating the vasodilation of the human mesenteric artery in response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and sodium disulfide (Na2S) was assessed. The level of serum endocan was indicated to be decreased in patients with CRC compared with healthy individuals, while the level of serum MDA remained unaltered between groups. The arterial rings pre-contracted with norepinephrine were first relaxed by the cumulative addition of increasing concentrations of either SNP (30 nM-30 µM) or (1-6 mM). Maximal relaxation rates were then calculated at 15 min intervals for 60 min. Pre-incubation of arterial rings for 20 min with individual K+ channel blockers was indicated to significantly reduce SNP- and Na2S-induced relaxation at different time points. Pre-treatment of L-nitro-arginine methyl ester did not alter vasodilation that was induced by Na2S. Furthermore, vasodilation of the CRC mesenteric artery was not altered by the synergistic application of SNP and Na2S, while pre-incubation of arterial rings with D,L-propargylglycine significantly enhanced vasodilation induced by SNP. These results indicated that endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress do not serve roles in the pathogenesis of CRC. The dilatory mechanisms of NO and H2S in mesenteric arteries of patients with CRC were K+ channel- and time-dependent, and the activity of cystathionine γ-lyase enzyme inhibited the ability of exogenous NO in vasodilation processes.

The relationship of the serum endocan level with the CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BackgroundIn this study considering the relationship between serum endocan and CHA2DS2-VASc score, we assumed that endocan level could be a new biomarker for stroke risk in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). It was examined that endocan could be an alternative to determine the risk of stroke and anticoagulation strategy in patients with PAF. The CHA2DS2-VASc scores were calculated for 192 patients with PAF, and their serum endocan levels were measured. The patients were divided into two groups as those with low to moderate (0-1) and those with high (≥ 2) CHA2DS2-VASc scores, and the endocan levels were compared between these two groups.ResultsThe serum endocan level was significantly higher in the high CHA2DS2-VASc score group (p < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, endocan, C-reactive protein, and low-density lipoprotein were found to be independent determinants of the CHA2DS2-VASc score. The predictive value of endocan was analyzed using the ROC curve analysis, which revealed that endocan predicted a high stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2) at 82.5% sensitivity and 71.2% specificity at the cutoff value of 1.342.ConclusionThis study indicates that endocan is significantly associated with CHA2DS2-VASc score. We demonstrated that endocan could be a new biomarker for the prediction of a high stroke risk among patients diagnosed with PAF.

Endocan, a novel inflammatory marker, is upregulated in human chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1 beta.

Endocan is a circulating proteoglycan, involved in immunity, inflammation, and endothelial function. It has been recently suggested as a biomarker of inflammation, increased angiogenesis, and cancer. In vitro studies have shown that endocan expression could be upregulated by inflammatory cytokines and proangiogenic molecules. High endocan levels were also shown in arthritic joint tissues and particularly in sites characterized by severe inflammation. This study was performed to evaluate endocan expression in chondrocytes stimulated with IL-ß. mRNA and related protein production were measured for endocan, TNF-α, and IL-6. NF-kB activity was also evaluated. IL-1ß treatment induced a significant upregulation of both endocan and the inflammatory parameters as well as NF-kB activity. The treatment of chondrocytes with the specific NF-kB inhibitor before IL-1ß stimulation was able to reduce endocan and the inflammatory markers over-expression. The results of our study indicated that endocan is also expressed in human chondrocytes; furthermore, consistent with previous results in other cell types and tissues, IL-1ß-induced inflammatory response involves the expression of endocan through NF-kB activation. In this context, endocan seems to be an important inflammatory marker associated with the activation of NF-kB pathway.

Serumske vrednosti endokana u odnosu na tradicionalne i netradicionalne antropometrijske parametre u populaciji odraslih

BackgroundAssociation between endocan and nontraditional anthropometric indices, as distinct cardiovascular disease risk factors, has not been examined in previous studies. Endocan is a novel inflammation biomarker with its higher levels involved in cardiometabolic diseases development. Taking into consideration that obesity is an independent risk factor for many cardiometabolic diseases, we aimed to explore the relationship between endocan levels and novel anthropometric indices [i.e., body adiposity index (BAI), cardiometabolic index (CMI), a body shape index, body roundness index, conicity index, lipid accumulation product index and visceral adiposity index] and traditional ones [i.e., waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio and waist-to-hip ratio] in adult population.MethodsA total of 177 participants were included. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parametres were measured.ResultsUnivariate regression analysis demonstrated positive correlations of endocan and almost all anthropometric data. To explore independent associations of endocan and anthropometric parameters, the Model which fulfilled criteria for ordinal regression testing was created. Adjusted odds for BAI given in the Model (OR=1.120, 95% CI 1.036-1.212, P=0.004), demonstrated that a rise in BAI by 1 unit increased the probability of higher endocan concentration by 12%. As well, a rise in CMI for 1 unit, increased the probability for higher endocan levels for 2.6 times (OR=2.599, 95% CI 1.006-6.712, P=0.049). A total of 20.1% of variation in endocan levels could be explained by this Model.ConclusionsNon-traditional obesity indices, BAI and CMI independently correlated with higher serum endocan levels in adult population.

Elevated Serum Endocan Levels in Patients with Rosacea: A New Therapeutic Target?

Background:Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose etiopathogenesis is still unknown. Previous studies have shown a relationship between certain inflammatory disorders and serum endocan levels. Endocan (previously known as endothelial cell-specific molecule 1) might play a role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.Aims and Objectives:Our study aimed to evaluate serum endocan levels in patients with rosacea to investigate the association of endocan with the demographic data.Materials and Methods:The study recruited individuals aged ≥18 years who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. The participants included 37 women (mean age: 48.29 ± 12.08 years) and 13 men (mean age: 52.23 ± 13.34 years) diagnosed with rosacea, and 37 women (mean age: 49.18 ± 16.6 years) and 13 men (mean age: 53.69 ± 11.30 years) selected as controls. Both groups were matched according to age and sex. The rosacea diagnosis was based on clinical examination findings, and serum endocan levels were measured using the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The statistical significance of the data was determined by the Mann–Whitney U test, and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Serum endocan levels differed significantly between the patients with rosacea and the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Circulating endocan might be a new marker related to disease progression in patients with rosacea. Further investigation is needed to determine whether endocan levels could become a new therapeutic target in rosacea, a disease that still cannot be fully cured.

Serum endocan and endothelial dysfunction in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors: a tertiary center experience.

Background:An increased risk of cardiovascular complications is reported in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Early identification of impaired vascular health may allow for early interventions to improve outcomes.Aim:The study was conducted to assess the endothelial dysfunction in ALL survivors using a new marker, serum endocan, and measurement of the mean common carotid arteries intima media thickness (cIMT).Methods:A case-control study was conducted on 100 childhood ALL survivors (aged 6–18 years), with 80 healthy age and sex-matched children as a control group. Lipid profile, hepatitis markers, and serum ferritin where measured, in addition to the measurement of serum endocan. and cIMT by B-mode high-resolution ultrasonography for all study participants.Results:Triglycerides, total cholesterol, post prandial glucose, and serum ferritin were significantly higher in ALL survivors than controls (p < 0.05). Dyslipidemia was detected in 6% of ALL survivors. ALL survivors showed statistically higher serum endocan levels (470.41 ± 556.1 ng/l, versus, 225.94 ± 185.2 ng/l, respectively) and increased cIMT levels compared with the control group (0.650 ± 0.129 mm versus 0.320 ± 0.095 mm, respectively) p < 0.05. Serum endocan was positively correlated with cIMT and blood cholesterol.Conclusions:The survivors of childhood ALL demonstrated an elevated level of serum endocan and increased cIMT. These can be used as predictors of endothelial dysfunction, and, as a consequence, the risk of developing premature atherosclerosis.

Endocan (ESM-1) levels in gingival crevicular fluid correlate with ICAM-1 and LFA-1 in periodontitis.

Endocan, a 50 kDa soluble proteoglycan, also called endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), is involved in many major cellular activities and has been reported to be overexpressed in inflammatory conditions. This study aims to determine ESM-1 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from individuals with periodontitis to determine the correlation between the levels of lymphocyte-function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and clinical findings of periodontitis. This study enrolled 27 individuals diagnosed with Stage III-Grade C generalized periodontitis and 16 individuals as healthy controls. Bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used for detecting the levels of ESM-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-1 in GCF samples. PPD, BOP, CAL, and GCF volumes were significantly increased in patients with periodontitis in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). The total amount of ESM-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-1 levels in GCF were increased in the periodontitis group (p < 0.001). ESM-1 level correlated with PPD, BOP, and CAL (p < 0.05). ICAM-1 level correlated with BOP and CAL (p < 0.05). LFA-1 level correlated with PPD and CAL (p < 0.05). Our data indicate that ESM-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-1 levels are increased in GCF of patients with periodontitis. These molecules could be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease.

Evaluation of serum endocan as a marker of diabetic nephropathy

Introduction Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a significant medical problem because of its increasing incidence, morbidity and mortality. DN is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that has been observed in 30%–40% of type 1 DM and 10%–20% of type 2 DM patients. Recent studies focus on novel diagnosis and treatment strategies for DN to decrease its mortality and morbidity. New biomarkers such as endocan are considered to be associated with endothelial dysfunction, angiogenesis and inflammation and may be reliable markers for early detection and progression of DN. Aim This study aimed to establish the role of endocan as a marker of DN similar to the case with the urine albumin–creatinine ratio. Patients and methods This study has been carried out on 60 diabetic patients selected from the inpatient department and outpatient clinics of the Department of Internal Medicine in Dikirnis General Hospital and 30 healthy controls who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected participants were divided into three groups: group 1 included 30 healthy controls, group 2 included 30 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria and group 3 included 30 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria. Results In this study, there was no correlation between endocan and serum creatinine levels as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate in diabetic patients with proteinuria. Patients with microalbuminuria in this study had insignificantly lower endocan levels (111.9±85.7) than patients with normoalbuminuria (130.7±76.3). Conclusion Here, in this study, serum endocan did not have considerable specificity or sensitivity in early detection or progression of DN.

Higher serum Endocan levels are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic venous insufficiency

Aim: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common but neglected pathology of the cardiovascular system with high diagnosis and treatment costs and negative effects on patients' quality of life. Endocan is a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan and secreted by activated vascular endothelium. We hypothesized that higher Endocan levels may be associated with the pathophysiology of CVI. Thus, in the current study, we aimed to assess the relationship between serum Endocan levels and CVI.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients with CVI and 50 age- and gender- matched subjects were enrolled into the study. The baseline clinical characteristics of the patients were obtained and serum Endocan levels were calculated.&#x0D; Results: The mean Endocan level and mean triglyceride (TG) level were significantly higher in the CVI (+) group compared to the CVI (-) group (p

The relationship between serum endocan levels with the presence of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Aim:Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated high mortality and morbidity risks in the patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).Endocan, a new endothelial dysfunction biomarker, could be a potential immunoinflammatory biomarker for CIN.We investigated the possible association between serum endocan levels and CIN in the patients undergoing CAG. &#x0D; Material and Methods:We prospectively enrolled 92 patients undergoing CAG.For each patient, serum endocan levels were assessed at hospital admission before CAG.Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as an increase in serum creatinine 25% or 0.5 mg/dl from baseline in the first 48 - 72 hours. &#x0D; Results:Overall, 32 cases (34.8%) of CIN were diagnosed.There were no significant differences between the two groups (CIN and without-CIN) in demographic data and general risk factors. 38 patients (41%) were performed percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients with CIN had higher serum endocan levels (3.68 ng/dl;IQR, 0.78-17.3 vs 1.81 ng/dl;IQR, 0.19-17.4, p:0,002) than patients without CIN. Additionaly; basal glomerular filtration rate, contrast volume, serum endocan level and left ventricle ejection fraction were detected as independent risk factors of CIN (p= 0.014, B:0.94, CI: 0.89-0.98, p= 0.024, B:2.55, CI:1.13-5.77, p= 0.026, B:2.45, CI:1.11-5.42, p= 0.044, B:0.91, CI:0.83-1.43, respectively). &#x0D; Conclusion:In patients undergoing CAG, high serum endocan levels could be associated with an increased risk for CIN.

Endocan as a potential biomarker of disease severity and exacerbations in COPD.

Endocan is a proteoglycan that is regarded as a novel marker of endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary vascular bed is known to play an important role for the pathogenesis of COPD. This study aimed to determine serum endocan levels in patients with stable COPD and acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and to test the relationship between serum endocan levels and exacerbations. This study enrolled a total of 55 COPD patients, 24 of which had AECOPD and 31 had stable COPD. All patients' basic demographic and clinical data were recorded and blood samples were collected. Serum endocan levels were significantly higher in the AECOPD group compared to the stable COPD and control groups (for both p<0.001) and stable COPD group had higher levels than the control group (p<0.005). Additionally, serum endocan levels were negatively correlated with FVC, FEV1, partial oxygen pressure and oxygen saturation (r=-0.30, p=0.03; r=-0.34, p=0.01; r=-0.34, p=0.01 and r=-0.36, p=0.007 respectively), and positively correlated with disease duration and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r=0.47, p<0.001; r=0.31, p=0.02 respectively). A cut-off value of 434.29pg/ml for endocan predicted exacerbation with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 84% (AUC: 0.778, 95% Cl 0.648-0.909; p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that increased endocan levels was independent predictor of COPD exacerbation (OR=9.32, 95%CI, 1.64-52.95; p=0.01). Endocan may be a novel biomarker for detection of endothelial dysfunction and prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD.

Evaluation of serum endocan levels in relation to epicardial fat tissue thickness in metabolic syndrome patients.

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome has been recognized as a predictor of cardiovascular diseases. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness has recently been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular diseases in metabolic syndrome patients. Endocan is a novel molecule which is considered to be an early marker of endothelial dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate endocan serum levels for the first time in metabolic syndrome patients, in relation to EFT thickness.Material and methodsThe study included 44 patients with metabolic syndrome who had neither chronic kidney disease nor chronic inflammation and 26 healthy controls. Fasting blood samples were obtained from the groups. The serum levels of endocan were measured with a Sunred ELISA kit. EFT thickness of patients was measured by echocardiography.ResultsThe serum endocan levels were significantly lower in the metabolic syndrome patients compared to the healthy controls (120.71 ±90.17 pg/ml vs. 414.59 ±277.57, p < 0.001). Metabolic syndrome patients demonstrated significantly higher EFT (p = 0.042). EFT thickness had a positive correlation with age (r = 0.397, p = 0.008) and weight (r = 0.010). However, there was no correlation with serum endocan (r = –0.021, p = 0.893) or other parameters. Regression analysis revealed that waist circumference is the parameter among metabolic syndrome criteria having the strongest relationship with serum endocan levels (β = –0.499, p = 0.21).ConclusionsEFT thickness was high in metabolic syndrome patients and can be a useful marker for cardiovascular risk assessment. However, serum endocan levels were found to be low and there was no correlation with EFT thickness. Large sample sized prospective studies are needed to clarify the relation of endocan levels with the other clinical indicators of cardiovascular risk in metabolic syndrome.

Plasma Endocan as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Event in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis.

Endocan, a potential biomarker of endothelial dysfunction, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated the utility of plasma endocan for predicting cardiovascular risk in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. Of the 452 patients in the K-cohort, 354 with available plasma endocan levels were enrolled. The correlation between plasma endocan levels and the clinical characteristics of a study population were analyzed. We divided patients into two groups, according to plasma endocan levels, and investigated the predictive value of endocan for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. In a multiple linear regression analysis, plasma endocan levels were positively correlated with previous cardiovascular events and negatively correlated with body mass index, albumin, and triglyceride. Patients with higher plasma endocan levels experienced more frequent cardiovascular events than those with lower plasma endocan levels (12.9% in the lower group vs. 22.7% in the higher group, p = 0.016). Cox proportional hazard models showed that higher plasma endocan levels were an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in ESRD patients on hemodialysis ((hazard ration) HR 1.949, 95% (confidence interval) CI 1.144–3.319, p = 0.014). Our results suggest that plasma endocan level might be a useful biomarker for predicting cardiovascular events in ESRD patients on hemodialysis.

Analysis of Endocan Levels in Hypertensive Patients as Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease

This study aimed to analyze endocan levels as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in the control group, patients withstage I hypertension, stage II hypertension, and patients with end-stage renal disease. Endocan levels were measured withESM-1 (endocan) kit by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. This study used a cross-sectional methodand was conducted in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar and Hasanuddin University Hospital from Septemberto October 2017. There were 83 samples in this study, consisting of 12 samples in the control group, 22 samples of stage Ihypertension, 28 samples of stage II hypertension, and 21 samples of end-stage renal disease aged 20-90 years old. Thisstudy showed significantly higher endocan levels in patients with stage II hypertension and end-stage renal disease(p&lt; 0.05). Endocan levels were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in patients with end-stage renal disease compared with thecontrol group and patients with stage I hypertension; but not significantly higher (p &gt; 0.05) compared to patients with stageII hypertension. Also, the median of endocan levels in patients with the end-stage renal disease was higher (309,850 ng/L)compared to patients with stage II hypertension (273,050 ng/L).

A therapeutic biomarker endocan in infective endocarditis

Background: In infectious endocarditis, previous biomarkers such as C-related protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) have been difficult to determine the appropriate timing of antibiotic treatment termination. Endocan is a novel biomarker of sepsis or bacteremia. In this study, we investigated effectiveness of endocan as a therapeutic biomarker in infective endocarditis. Methods and materials: This prospective study was conducted between September 2015 and November 2018. Subjects comprised patients aged ≥20 years admitted due to infective encocarditis. Infective endocarditis was diagnosed accodting to the modified Duke Criteria. Biomarkers were measured during the four following periods: day 0, on the admission day; day 35, between 3 and 5 days after onset of infection; and day 79, between 7 and 9 days after onset of infection; day 14–16, between 14 and 16 days after onset of infection; and day 2123, between 21 and 23 days after onset of infection; and day 2830, between 21 and 23 days after onset of infection. To measure serum endocan and PCT concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and CRP concentrations were measured by latex agglutination assays. Results: Nine patients were enrolled in this study. At the onset of infection, serum endocan was elevated (mean 2.21 ng/mL), and decreased during the course of treatment (mean 0.66 ng/mL). The decrease rate of serum endocan during the treatment was smaller than those of PCT and CRP. When the cut-off of endocan is 0.7 ng/mL, the rate of cases with endocan level lower than the cutoff was 0% on day 0, 20% on day 21, and 85.7% on day 28. The rate of cases with CRP lower than the normal level was 44.4% on day 28, and the rate of cases with PCT lower level than the cutoff was 60% on day 21. Conclusion: During the treatment of infective endocarditis, serum endocan gradually decreased. By setting the cutoff of endocan, serum endocan could be a useful biomarker for determing the timing of treatment termination in infective endocarditis.

The Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Severe Obesity.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of mortality in obese patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) operation on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), epicardial fat thickness (EFT), and serum endocan levels, which are independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 47 patients (35 females and 12 males) with a mean age of 38 ± 10.48 with standard indications for LSG were prospectively included in the study. Mean CIMT values with B-mode duplex ultrasound, EFT measurements with standard transthoracic 2D echocardiography, and serum endocan levels were measured before the operation and 6months after the operation. Delta (Δ) values were obtained by subtracting sixth month values from baseline values. Body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly from an average of 47.31 ± 6.10 to 37.25 ± 5.61kg/m2 in the sixth month after LSG (p < 0.001). EFT, CIMT, and serum endocan values decreased significantly in the sixth month after surgery (0.67 ± 0.15 vs. 0.60 ± 0.14mm, p < 0.001; 1.07 ± 0.05 vs. 1.00 ± 0.14mm, p < 0.001; and 89.18 ± 66.22 vs. 37.74 ± 15.37, p < 0.001, respectively). There were mild-moderate positive relationships between Δ-BMI and the values of EFT and CIMT (r = 0.386, p = 0.007 and r = 0.314, p = 0.024, respectively). We also found weak linear relationships between Δ-BMI and Δ-endocan (r = 0.267, p = 0.036), and between Δ-EFT and Δ-CIMT (r: 0.221; p: 0.046). LSG can lead to reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease by providing improvements in CIMT, EFT, and serum endocan values, which reflect early structural atherosclerotic changes in patients with severe obesity.

Validity of endocan as a biomarker in systemic sclerosis: relation to pathogenesis and disease activity

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease, has endothelial dysfunction and tissue fibrosis. The lack of its specific activity markers urges the research. Endocan is an immunomodulatory protein associated with endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to measure of the endocan level in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients’ sera to test its relation to disease activity and treatment responses. Also, to evaluate its specificity by comparing these data with Behçet’s disease (BD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients’ data.ResultsSSc and RA patients were in activity but in the BD group; eight were active and seven were inactive. The endocan level was higher in the three groups in comparison to the controls without statistically significant differences (p value RA 0.697, SSc 0.063, and BD 0.196). A statistically significant difference in endocan levels between SSc patients with and without vascular manifestations (pulmonary hypertension and finger pitting ulcers, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0097, respectively). There were no significant correlations between endocan level and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (positive rheumatoid factor for RA) in the three groups (p > 0.05). There were no significant correlations between endocan level and activity scores in the three groups (p > 0.05). The cut-off value of endocan was 1.3 ng/ml.ConclusionEndocan is a non-specific marker for the vascular pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis but not a good predictor for its activity.

Endothelial dysfunction in patients with acromegaly and It's association with Endocan

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess endocan levels in patients with acromegaly who have active disease or disease in remission and to investigate a relation between endocan levels and endothelial dysfunction in these patients. DesignThe study is a case-control study. Study was conducted at Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Training and Research Hospital between 2013 and 2019. Patients who were older than 18 years with acromegaly diagnosis were recruited if they agreed to participate. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes (DM), hypertension (HT), hyperlipidemia, decompensated heart failure, immune or infectious diseases, moderate-severe valve disease and stage 3 or more advanced chronic kidney disease were excluded. There were 30 healthy control subjects who agreed to participate to the study. Patients with acromegaly were divided into two groups as: disease active patients and patients in remission. Serum endocan levels were measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method endothelial function was assessed with flow mediated dilatation (FMD). ResultsThere were 85 patients included to the study. Twenty-three patients had active disease, 31 were in remission and 31 were healthy controls. FMD was higher in controls compared to patients in active disease and patients in remission (p < 0.001). There was no difference between patients with active disease for FMD and patients in remission (p = 0.088). There was statistically significant correlation between FMD and endocan and insulin like growth hormone-1 (IGF-1) levels of patients with acromegaly. As FMD increased endocan and IGF-1 decreased. A moderate negative relation between FMD and endocan was identified (p < 0.001, r:-0.409) as well as FMD and IGF-1 levels (p:0.011, r:-0.377). Along with endocan and IGF-1, DM, HT, sex, body mass index, age and uric acid were associated with changes in FMD. ConclusionsEndocan levels and endothelial function measured with FMD have an inverse relationship. Endocan may prove to be a marker for endothelial dysfunction in acromegaly.