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Apelin/Elabela-APJ: a novel therapeutic target in the cardiovascular system

Wei Liu1,2, Jialong Yan3, Weinan Pan4

  • 1Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.

Annals of Translational Medicine
|April 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The apelin/ELA-APJ signaling pathway is crucial for fetal cardiovascular development and adult vascular function. Targeting APJ offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various cardiovascular diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Apelin and Elabela (ELA) are endogenous ligands for the angiotensin II type 1 receptor-associated protein (APJ).
  • The Apelin/ELA-APJ signaling system is extensively distributed throughout the fetal and adult cardiovascular systems.
  • This pathway plays a vital role in fetal heart and blood vessel development and regulates adult vascular tone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted effects of the Apelin/ELA-APJ system on cardiovascular function during fetal development and in adulthood.
  • To detail the involvement of this signaling pathway in various cardiovascular diseases.
  • To summarize the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential of Apelin/ELA-APJ in cardiovascular medicine.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies on Apelin/ELA-APJ signaling.
  • Analysis of the pathway's role in fetal vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
  • Examination of its impact on adult cardiovascular functions like VSMC proliferation and vasodilation.
  • Review of its association with cardiovascular pathologies including hypertension, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

  • The Apelin/ELA-APJ pathway significantly influences fetal cardiovascular development (vasculogenesis, angiogenesis).
  • In adults, it modulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, vasodilation, and cardiac contractility.
  • Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in numerous cardiovascular diseases such as eclampsia, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • The Apelin/ELA-APJ signaling pathway is a critical regulator of both fetal and adult cardiovascular physiology.
  • Understanding these pathways provides insights into the pathophysiology of diverse cardiovascular diseases.
  • Targeting the APJ receptor represents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing cardiovascular conditions.

Keywords:
ApelinElabela (ELA)angiogenesiscardiac developmenthypertension

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