Apelin/Elabela-APJ: a novel therapeutic target in the cardiovascular system

Apelin and Elabela (ELA) are endogenous ligands of angiotensin domain type 1 receptor-associated proteins (APJ). Apelin/ELA-APJ signal is widely distributed in the cardiovascular system of fetuse and adult. The signal is involved in the development of the fetal heart and blood vessels and regulating vascular tension in adults. This review described the effects of apelin/ELA-APJ on fetal (vasculogenesis and angiogenesis) and adult cardiovascular function [vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, vasodilation, positive myodynamia], and relative diseases [eclampsia, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), atherosclerosis, etc.] in detail. The pathways of apelin/ELA-APJ regulating cardiovascular function and cardiovascular-related diseases are summarized. The drugs developed based on apelin and ELA suggests APJ is a prospective strategy for cardiovascular disease therapy.