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The apelinergic system: a promising therapeutic target
Inês Falcão-Pires1, Ricardo Ladeiras-Lopes, Adelino F Leite-Moreira
1University of Porto, Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular R&D Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
The apelinergic system, involving apelin and its receptor APJ, plays a key role in cardiovascular, metabolic, and other diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand its physiological functions and develop new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Apelin is a bioactive peptide and the ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor APJ.
- The apelinergic system is implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal diseases, and tumor angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of apelin/APJ information since 1998.
- To focus on the regulation of human body systems and potential therapeutic applications of the apelinergic system.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing information on apelin/APJ.
- Focus on physiological functions and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- The apelinergic system has significant physiological functions, including cardiovascular actions, neoangiogenesis, immunomodulation, and regulation of insulinemia, body fluid, and glucose homeostasis.
- Modulation of the apelinergic system presents potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.
Conclusions:
- The established biological effects of apelin are diverse, impacting major body systems.
- The precise physiological and pathophysiological roles of endogenous apelin require further investigation for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
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