Apelin/APJ system: A novel therapeutic target for oxidative stress-related inflammatory diseases (Review)

Abstract

Abstract. Apelin, the endogenous ligand of APJ which is a member of G protein-coupled receptors, has been shown to be expressed in a variety of tissues in vivo and to exert significant biological effects. Studies have indicated that the apelin/APJ system is involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological functions and pathological processes, and that it is associated with cardiovascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure and myocardial injury), diabetes with microvascular complications, ischemia reperfusion injury, tumors, pre-eclampsia, as well as others. The occurrence of these diseases is closely related to endothelial dysfunction and the local inflammatory response; however, the occurrence of oxidative stress is related to vascular injury, due to the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can lead to vascular damage and a series of inflammatory reactions. Therefore, this review summarizes the association between apelin/APJ, oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases. In addition, drugs targeting the apelin/APJ system are recommended, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-related inflammatory diseases.

Relationship between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Apelin, and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

“…The signaling system stimulated by apelin regulates many physiological functions and pathological processes [22]. It is known that apelin has anti-inflammation and antioxidative stress effects [11–13, 23]. Existing research has shown that inflammation and oxidative stress are major pathogenic factors of POAF [3–5].…”

“…A decrease in apelin causes downregulation of ACE2 expression, resulting in a reduction of Ang II degradation [10]. Several studies have shown that apelin has anti-inflammation and antioxidative stress effects [11–13]. However, the relationship between POAF, ACE, Ang II, BK, and apelin is not yet clear.…”

Apelin/APJ system: A novel potential therapy target for kidney disease

“…In the cardiovascular system, apelin/APJ system can reduce blood pressure, promote the formation of new blood vessels, reduce arterial tension, and the heart preload (Yu et al, ). In addition, apelin/APJ system can regulate gastrointestinal function and insulin sensitivity, promote cell proliferation and migration, induce angiogenesis, and regulate immune function (Adam et al, ; Castan‐Laurell et al, ; Lv et al, ; Tiani et al, ; Wang et al, ; Zhou, Cao, & Chen, ). Various researches show that apelin may play a role in body fluid homeostasis (Najafipour, Soltani Hekmat, Nekooian, & Esmaeili‐Mahani, ).…”

Can Apelin play a role in the etiology of tinnitus?

“…Apelin/APJ signaling plays recognized roles during vasodilation of healthy endothelium, and also during vasoconstriction after vascular endothelial damage (12). The APJ system mediates oxidative stress in vascular tissue (13). Tatemato et al reported that apelin regulated endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, increasing NO production.…”

“…In an animal study, Chen et al found that intranasal apelin was a useful stroke treatment (17). The apelin/ APJ system regulated insulin sensitivity, gastrointestinal function, angiogenesis, and immune function, enhancing cell migration and proliferation (13). It has been shown that the apelin/APJ system plays various roles in the physiology and pathophysiology of many organs, including regulation of blood pressure, cardiac contractility, angiogenesis, metabolic balance, and cell proliferation, inflammation, or apoptosis.…”