Serum Endocan Levels Are Correlated with the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Hypertension.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is one of the most important early indicators of atherosclerosis in hypertension (HT) patients. Endocan has been reported to play a role in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction. Objective: We sought to assess whether serum endocan levels are correlated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with HT. Methods: We measured endocan levels in 164 patients with HT and in 55 controls. The severity of CAD was assessed by the coronary atherosclerosis index scores. Results: Serum endocan levels were independently correlated with the presence and severity of CAD in HT patients. Conclusion: Endocan might function as a useful biomarker for monitoring the development and progression of CAD in HT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]