Endothelins are a family of four endogenous peptides (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, ET-4) secreted primarily in an inactive form by the endothelium. They are activated with the participation of converting enzyme. Numerous studies have described their pleiotropic biological activity. These peptides are involved, inter alia, in the regulation of processes such as cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Their important role in the regulation of blood pressure, tissue perfusion (especially in the central nervous system), and myocardial systolic function is also known. Moreover, changes in transcriptional activity of endothelin and its receptors may be involved, with the participation of a number of signaling pathways, in carcinogenesis, and the pathogenesis of numerous diseases (heart, kidney, lung and skin disorders, especially with the component of fibrosis). Their role has been documented in the development of breast, prostatic, colorectal, ovarian, lung, kidney, and endometrial cancer, and in melanoma. In this article we present a brief description of the endothelin group and the participation of them and their receptors in carcinogenesis. We also try to show their role as prognostic and predictive factors in human malignant tumors. The article also refers to clinical trials on the use of preparations of endothelin receptor antagonists in the design of molecular therapeutic strategies in human malignancies.
In a recent paper, Levy, Gadd, Kerridge, and Komesaroff attempt to defend the ethicality of homeopathy by attacking the utilitarian ethical framework as a basis for medical ethics and by introducing a distinction between evidence-based medicine and modern science. This paper demonstrates that their argumentation is not only insufficient to achieve that goal but also incorrect. Utilitarianism is not required to show that homeopathic practice is unethical; indeed, any normative basis of medical ethics will make it unethical, as a defence of homeopathic practice requires the rejection of modern natural sciences, which are an integral part of medical ethics systems. This paper also points out that evidence-based medicine lies at the very core of modern science. Particular arguments made by Levy et al. within the principlist medical ethics normative system are also shown to be wrong.
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