Endothelin-1 and antiangiogenesis

Antiangiogenesis, targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has become a well-established treatment for patients with cancer. This treatment is associated with nitric oxide (NO) suppression and a dose-dependent activation of the endothelin system, resulting in preeclampsia-like features, particularly hypertension and renal injury. Studies in endothelium NO synthase (eNOS)-deficient mice and pharmacological treatment with endothelin receptor blockers and sildenafil indicate that an activated endothelin system, rather than NO suppression, mediates the side effects of angiogenesis inhibitors. Activation of the endothelin system is also observed in preeclamptic women, where it is related to the increased placental production of sFlt-1, the soluble form of the VEGF receptor-1. This receptor binds VEGF, thereby having the same consequences as antiangiogenic treatment with VEGF inhibitors. The side effects of antiangiogenic treatment in patients with cancer may be dose limiting, thereby impairing its therapeutic potential. In addition, because endothelin exerts proangiogenic effects, investigation of the effects of endothelin receptor blockade in patients with cancer treated with angiogenesis inhibitors is warranted.