Endothelin 1
Endothelin 1, also known as preproendothelin-1, is the most potent vasoconstrictor produced by the human body. It is a peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells, as well as by cells in the heart and kidney. The protein encoded by this gene EDN1 is proteolytically processed to release endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin.
Clinical significance
Patients with salt-sensitive hypertension have higher plasma ET-1.Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Use of these antagonists prevents pulmonary arterial constriction and thus inhibits pulmonary hypertension.
As of 2020, the role of endothelin-1 in affecting lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obesity mechanisms was under clinical research.