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Expanding role for the apelin/APJ system in physiopathology

C Carpéné1, C Dray, C Attané

  • 1INSERM, U858, Toulouse, F-31432 France. carpene@toulouse.inserm.fr

Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry
|May 7, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Apelin, a peptide hormone, plays a key role in regulating cardiovascular function and energy balance. This review highlights apelin

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Apelin is a bioactive peptide and the endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ.
  • Apelin exists in multiple active forms (13, 17, or 36 amino acids) derived from a 77-amino-acid precursor.
  • Both apelin and APJ are widely expressed in human and rodent tissues, influencing central and peripheral functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse physiological roles of apelin.
  • To focus on apelin's involvement in energy balance regulation.
  • To examine apelin's contribution to obesity-associated disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on apelin and its receptor APJ.
  • Analysis of apelin's expression patterns in various tissues, particularly adipose tissue.
  • Examination of apelin's functional effects in cardiovascular regulation, fluid homeostasis, and metabolism.

Main Results:

  • Apelin is implicated in cardiovascular functions, fluid balance, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation.
  • Apelin is identified as an adipokine, with its expression upregulated in obesity.
  • Apelin gene expression in adipose tissue is modulated by insulin and TNF-alpha.

Conclusions:

  • Apelin acts as a crucial regulator of energy homeostasis and is involved in obesity-related pathologies.
  • Understanding apelin's role in adipokines is vital for addressing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Further research into apelin signaling may offer therapeutic targets for obesity and associated conditions.

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