Apelin: A promising therapeutic target? (Part 1)

Abstract

Apelin is a recently discovered bioactive peptide, known to be an endogenous high-affinity ligand<br />for the previously orphan G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Apelin/APJ as a novel signaling pathway<br />has been shown to play many crucial roles in cardiovascular function, blood pressure regulation, fluid<br />homeostasis, feeding behavior, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipoinsular axis regulation, cell<br />proliferation, angiogenesis, neuroprotection and thermoregulation. This ubiquitous peptide opens a<br />new field of research in biology and medicine. In this regard, the aim of this short review is to compile<br />the evidence for the apelin involvement in modulation of cardiovascular system and introduction of<br />this new peptidic pathway as a useful drug target in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in future.