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Apelin/APJ system: a promising therapy target for hypertension
Di Wu1, Lu He, Linxi Chen
1Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
Molecular Biology Reports
|July 4, 2014
Summary
The apelin/APJ system influences blood pressure and hypertension. While a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease, its exact role in hypertension pathogenesis requires further investigation due to inconsistent findings.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Apelin is an endogenous peptide acting through its receptor APJ, a G protein-coupled receptor.
- The apelin/APJ system is widely distributed and impacts the cardiovascular system.
- Emerging evidence links the apelin/APJ system to blood pressure regulation and hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted role of the apelin/APJ system in the pathophysiology of hypertension.
- To discuss the involvement of apelin/APJ in various hypertension-related mechanisms.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the apelin/APJ system for cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the apelin/APJ system in hypertension.
- Analysis of the association between apelin levels and hypertension.
- Examination of research on APJ agonists and antagonists in cardiovascular contexts.
Main Results:
- The apelin/APJ system is implicated in sympathetic nervous system activity, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system function, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular remodeling.
- Apelin/APJ may play a role in insulin resistance, sodium retention, and hypertension-induced organ damage.
- Variations in apelin levels during hypertension treatment and the effects of APJ modulators suggest therapeutic promise.
Conclusions:
- The apelin/APJ system is a significant factor in cardiovascular homeostasis and hypertension development.
- Despite its potential, the precise and often contradictory roles of apelin in hypertension pathogenesis necessitate further elucidation.
- Targeting the apelin/APJ system represents a promising future strategy for managing hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions.
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