Unveiling the roles of CTRP family in cardiac remodeling

The C1q/TNF-related protein family (CTRPs), a group of adipokines sharing structural homology with adiponectin (APN), have emerged as crucial regulators of metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis. As secreted proteins with pleiotropic functions, CTRPs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms. Cardiac remodeling, a central pathological process in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) triggered by various cardiac injuries, involves structural and functional alterations in the myocardium. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that CTRPs play dual roles in cardiac remodeling, either ameliorating or exacerbating this process. Mechanistically, CTRPs modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic reprogramming, all of which regulate cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. This review provides a systematic overview of the functional roles of CTRPs in cardiac remodeling, with a focus on their structural features, tissue distribution, and receptor-mediated signaling pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of CTRPs as biomarkers and molecular targets in CVDs, emphasizing the necessity of mechanistic and translational studies to advance clinical applications. The elucidation of CTRP-mediated pathways may offer novel insights into the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling and facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for treating CVDs.