Apelin是可激活G蛋白偶联受体——血管紧张素受体AT1相关的受体蛋白(putative receptor pro-tein related to the angiotensin receptor AT1,APJ)的内源性活性肽。Apelin/APJ系统在心血管调节中具有增强心脏收缩力、降低血压等作用;可促进血管生成,与肿瘤的发生和发展紧密相关;在消化系统,作为脂肪细胞分泌的新脂肪因子,可调节胰岛素的分泌;可能与呼吸系统、泌尿系统以及内分泌与生殖系统密切相关以及在中枢神经系统中具有调节垂体激素释放和水盐代谢等作用。Apelin/APJ系统有望成为心力衰竭、原发性高血压、肿瘤、肥胖等相关疾病的治疗靶点。
Apelin is an endogenous peptide that can activate G protein-coupled receptor—putative receptor protein related to the angiotensin receptor AT1(APJ).Activation of apelin/APJ system can increase cardiac contractility and decrease blood pressure.It can promote angiogenesis and is closely related to the development of tumor.In digestive system,it can regulate insulin secretion as new adipokine.It has roles in respiratory system,urinary system,and endocrine and reproductive system.It can aslo regulate the release of pituitary hormones and play a role in water-electrolyte metabolism in the central nervous system.Apelin/APJ system is expected to be a therapeutic target for heart failure,hypertension,tumor,obesity related diseases,etc.