The relationship between endothelin-converting enzyme-endothelin system and type 2 diabetes with macroangiopathy / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the endothelial function, endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) activity and ECE mRNA level in patients of diabetes with macroangiopathy, and to investigate the effect of the endothelial function change in type 2 diabetes and diabetes with macroangiopathy. Methods Sixty healthy persons and 40 patients of type 2 diabetes and 60 patients of type 2 diabetes with macroangiopathy were recruited for the study. The activity of ECE in white blood cells was measured by an established method. Endothelial function, ECE activity and expression of ECE mRNA were determined by ELISA, RIA and RT-PCR respectively. Results The expression of ECE mRNA and the ECE activity were increased in patients of type 2 diabetes, especially in diabetics with macroangiopathy. The damage of endothelial function in the diabetic patients was very common. Conclusion High level of ECE activity relates to the damage of endothelial function. High level of ECE activity and up-regulation of expression of ECE mRNA may play a key role in the development of diabetic macroangiopathy.