Research progresses of apelin in nervous system / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Apelin is the endogenous ligand of a G protein-coupled receptor called APJ, its propeptide is an X-linked and coded peptide with 77 amino acids. Apelin/apelin receptor system is widely distributed in the body and is involved in various physiological and pathological regulations. It has been demonstrated that apelin is associated with the occurrence and development of many diseases, including angiocardiopathy, pulmonary arterial hypertension, nephropathy, cancer, endocrine disease, and so on. Currently, studies on apelin in nervous system have been developed gradually. This article focuses on apelin and summarizes the distribution and pathophysiological roles of apelin in nervous system, as well as in the occurrence and development of diseases associated with nervous system.