Endothelin-1: a possible link between periodontal & systemic disease?

Endothelin-1 a possible link between periodontal and systemic disease? Endothlin-1(ET-1) is peptide of 21 amino acid residues and is the most potent vasoconstrictor substance produced by endothelial cells. It plays a role in the development of diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis by its property of vasoconstriction. It also plays a role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The identification of ET-1 in chronic periodontitis and drug-induced gingival overgrowth has been reported in many studies and it also plays a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been found to be linked to the pathogenesis of certain systemic diseases. This article attempts to evaluate ET-1 as a possible link between periodontal and systemic diseases.