Apelin and its receptor APJ in cardiovascular diseases.

Xiao-Hua Yu, Zhi-Bin Tang, Li-Jing Liu, Hong Qian, Shi-Lin Tang, Da-Wei Zhang, Guo-Ping Tian, Chao-Ke Tang

Journal: Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry 2015;428():1-8

PMID: 24055369

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Apelin is an adipokine that has been identified as an endogenous ligand for the orphan receptor APJ. Apelin and APJ are expressed in a diverse range of tissues with particular preponderance for the heart and vasculature. Apelin has powerful positive inotropic actions and causes endothelium- and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatation. Growing evidence shows that apelin/APJ system functions as a critical mediator of cardiovascular homeostasis and is involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Targeting apelin/APJ axis produces protection against cardiovascular diseases. In the current review we have summarized recent data concerning the role and therapeutic potential of apelin/APJ in several major cardiovascular diseases. An increased understanding of the cardiovascular actions of apelin/APJ system will help to develop novel therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular diseases.

Address: Life Science Research Center, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.; Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.; Department of Clinical Medicine, Huaihua Medical College, Huaihua, Hunan 418000, China.; Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada.; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China. Electronic address: [email protected].; Life Science Research Center, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2013.09.001