Apelin and pulmonary hypertension.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves pulmonary vasoconstriction, remodeling, and impaired right ventricular function, with no definitive cure.
• Apelin, a peptide hormone, and its receptor (APLNR) are expressed in vascular and cardiac tissues.
• Reduced plasma-apelin levels and pulmonary endothelial apelin expression are noted in PAH patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of the apelin/APLNR system in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
• To evaluate apelin as a potential biomarker for PAH.
• To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting the apelin/APLNR pathway for pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating apelin and APLNR in PAH and PH.
• Analysis of apelin expression and levels in PAH patients and animal models.
• Examination of apelin's effects on vascular tone, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.

Main Results:

• Apelin levels are decreased in PAH patients, suggesting its utility as a biomarker.
• Apelin influences angiogenesis, endothelial and smooth muscle cell apoptosis/proliferation.
• Apelin demonstrates vasodilatory effects and attenuates vasoconstriction in pulmonary arteries.
• Chronic apelin treatment mitigated pulmonary hypertension in animal models.

Conclusions:

• The apelin/APLNR pathway is significantly implicated in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension.
• Apelin's biomarker potential for PAH warrants further investigation.
• Targeting the apelin/APLNR system presents a promising therapeutic strategy for PH.