Big Endothelin-1 (Big ET-1) is the biologically inactive precursor of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced primarily by endothelial cells. Big ET-1 is a 38-amino acid peptide that undergoes enzymatic cleavage by endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) to form active ET-1. Because of its longer half-life and greater stability in circulation compared to mature ET-1, Big ET-1 is often used as a surrogate marker for endothelin system activity in both clinical and research settings.
In clinical contexts, elevated levels of Big ET-1 have been associated with various cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease. Its measurement can serve as a prognostic biomarker, particularly in heart failure, where higher levels correlate with worse outcomes. Big ET-1 is also being studied for its potential role in predicting adverse events and monitoring disease progression or treatment response in patients with vascular disorders.
In research settings, Big ET-1 is utilized to study endothelial function, vascular tone regulation, and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Because it reflects the upstream activity of the endothelin pathway, researchers often measure Big ET-1 to evaluate the efficacy of endothelin receptor antagonists or ECE inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies. Its relative stability makes it especially useful in studies where sample handling and assay sensitivity are critical.
This product is manufactured in Austria by Biomedica.