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Endocan and the respiratory system: a review
Authors Kechagia M, Papassotiriou I, Gourgoulianis KI
Received 2 August 2016
Accepted for publication 20 September 2016
Published 12 December 2016 Volume 2016:11(1) Pages 3179—3187
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S118692
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 3
Editor who approved publication: Dr Richard Russell
Maria Kechagia,1,2 Ioannis Papassotiriou,2 Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis1
1Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa, 2Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, Athens, Greece
Abstract: Endocan, formerly called endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, is an endothelial cell-associated proteoglycan that is preferentially expressed by renal and pulmonary endothelium. It is upregulated by proangiogenic molecules as well as by pro-inflammatory cytokines, and since it reflects endothelial activation and dysfunction, it is regarded as a novel tissue and blood-based relevant biomarker. As such, it is increasingly being researched and evaluated in a wide spectrum of healthy and disease pathophysiological processes. Here, we review the present scientific knowledge on endocan, with emphasis on the evidence that underlines its possible clinical value as a prognostic marker in several malignant, inflammatory and obstructive disorders of the respiratory system.
Keywords: endocan, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, respiratory disorders
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