Targeting Apelinergic System in Cardiometabolic Disease

Background: Global burden of cardiometabolic disease warrants development of newer treatment strategies. Apelin is ubiquitously expressed endogenous peptide which is a ligand for the apelinergic (APJ) receptor. Apelin/APJ receptors regulate a variety of biological functions and have been implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis. Consequently, the apelinergic pathway represents an attractive target to treat conditions associated with cardiometabolic syndrome. Objective: This review highlights the important regulatory role played by apelin in energy metabolism and cardiovascular function, and potential avenues that could be harnessed for therapeutic benefit. Conclusion: Apelin/APJ system is a druggable target to treat or prevent a variety of cardiometabolic diseases. Keywords: Apelin, apelinergic receptor, energy metabolism, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polymorphism.