CTRP12 in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: current status and future perspective

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases severely threat human health with their management being a global challenge. C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 12 (CTRP12), a newly identified adipokine and paralog of adiponectin, is expressed predominantly by adipose tissue. As a secretory protein, full-length CTRP12 can be cleaved by furin to produce a globular isoform, which is the major form in the blood stream. CTRP12 has anti-inflammatory and glucose-lowering properties and also participates in the regulation of lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Dysregulation of CTRP12 has been shown be involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Thus, targeting CTRP12 may have important implications in preventing and treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of CTRP12 in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, this review delved into the structural characteristics and biological functions with an emphasis on its link to several major cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.