Fernando Manzur-Jattin, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), acultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena. Cartagena, Colombia
Carlos Moneriz, Grupo Bioquímica y Enfermedad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena. Cartagena, Colombia
Luisa Camargo-Agamez, Grupo Bioquímica y Enfermedad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena. Cartagena, Colombia
Zoreibany Escobar-Córdoba, Grupo Bioquímica y Enfermedad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena. Cartagena, Colombia
Laura Mendoza-Carmona, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), acultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena. Cartagena, Colombia
Endothelin-1 is a vasoconstrictor peptide originating in the endothelium. It is a highly potent vascular regulator involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension. Populations of African American descent, obese, and resistant hypertension are prone to cardiovascular events, according to studies that have found high levels of endothelin-1 in these subjects. Although information about its circulating levels in essential hypertension is contradictory, data support its relevance as a local agent in vascular walls. The design of endothelin receptor antagonists validates its role in the pathophysiology and allows for the emergence of new therapeutic options. This review summarizes how endothelin-1 is involved in several factors that contribute to endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, vessel remodeling, and blood pressure control, all key processes in hypertension. It also emphasizes its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target to optimize the detection and treatment of this disease.
Keywords: Endothelin-1. Arterial hypertension. Endothelin receptors. Endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress.
