Therapeutic potential of endothelin receptor antagonists in diabetes

Endothelins (ETs) are widely distributed in the body and perform several va scular and non-vascular functions. Experimental evidence indicates that abn ormalities of the ET system occur in several organs affected in chronic dia betic complications. Furthermore, ET antagonists were found to prevent stru ctural and functional changes in the target organs of chronic diabetic comp lications in animal models. Abnormalities of plasma ET levels have also bee n demonstrated in human diabetes. This review discusses the role of ET in t he pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications. The current experimental evidence suggests that ET antagonism may potentially represent an adjuvant therapeutic tool in the treatment of chronic diabetic complications.