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Apelin and ACE2 in cardiovascular disease
Anastasia Z Kalea1, Daniel Batlle
1Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Tarry Building 4-750, Chicago, IL 60611-3008, USA.
Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (London, England : 2000)
|February 24, 2010
Summary
The apelin/APJ system regulates vascular tone and blood pressure. Its dysregulation is linked to cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Apelin is the endogenous ligand for the APJ receptor, forming the apelin/APJ system.
- This system is implicated in regulating vascular tone and overall cardiovascular function.
- Apelin and APJ are found in cardiomyocytes and vascular cells, indicating localized roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the apelin/APJ system in cardiovascular regulation.
- To investigate potential alterations in apelin/APJ expression and levels in cardiovascular diseases.
- To examine the interaction between the apelin/APJ system and the renin-angiotensin system.
Main Methods:
- Studies utilized cultured cells and small animal models.
- Apelin infusion was used to assess effects on vascular tone and blood pressure.
- Gene expression and circulating levels of apelin and APJ were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Apelin infusion demonstrated effects on vascular tone and blood pressure through central and peripheral actions.
- Alterations in APJ and apelin gene expression and circulating apelin levels were observed in clinical cardiovascular conditions.
- ACE2 was identified as a key enzyme responsible for apelin degradation.
Conclusions:
- The apelin/APJ system plays a significant role in cardiovascular function and vascular tone.
- Dysregulation of this system is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and atherosclerosis.
- Understanding the regulation of the apelin/APJ system, including its interaction with ACE2, offers potential clinical utility for cardiovascular disease management.
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