Endothelin: Potential modulator of bone remodeling, craniofacial development and tumor metastases

Objective

The present study reviewed endothelin (ET) as an endothelial vasoconstrictor of three types: ET1, ET2 and ET3 and two receptors (ET_AR, ET_BR). They were involved in bone remodeling, developmental anomalies in the mandibulo-facial area and bone metastasis from cancer of distal organs.

Review topics

The tissue remodeling process has been recognized to have multiple growth factors including endothelins (ETs) and receptors (ETRs). Among ETs, ET-1 is the most potent vasoconstrictor, and it binds to ET_AR or ET_BR. The biophysiological roles of ETs and ETRs are involved not only in vascular tissues but also bone tissue. Promotion of bone formation through ET-1 will take place following dental implant, tooth extraction, destruction osteogenesis and surgical bone loss. ETs and ETRs mediate the normal development of craniovascular structure which eventually migrate to the pharyngeal arch. The CATCH 22 syndrome (cardiac defects, abnormal facies, thymic hypoplasia, cleft palate and hypocalcemia associated with chromosome 22 microdeletion) displayed developmental malformation (3rd and 4th arch). Treacher Collins syndrome, and Pierre Robin sequence and DiGeorge/Velocardic facial syndrome are resemble this CATCH 22 syndrome.

Conclusions

ETs and ETRs related to biological processes in bone remodeling have been beneficial in fracture healing, bone remodeling, orthodontic tooth movement, distraction osteogenesis, surgical or traumatic bone defects and bone metastasis. ETs and ETRs influenced the embryonal development of pharyngeal arch and congenital anomalies like the CATCH 22 syndrome.