L'apéline : une nouvelle adipokine impliquée dans le métabolisme énergétique

Apelin is the endogenous ligand of the membrane G protein coupled receptor named APJ. Several isoforms of apelin exist, such as apelin-36 and apelin-13. Apelin and APJ are expressed in the central nervous system, particularly in the hypothalamus and in many peripheral tissues, such as heart, lung, adipose tissue, endothelial cells and skeletal muscle. Apelin is involved in regulation of fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular function, food intake, cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Apelin has recently been described by our group as a factor produced and secreted by adipocytes. The expression and the secretion of apelin in adipocytes are mainly regulated by insulin in humans and rodents. With obesity and associated diseases, such as diabetes type 2, plasma concentration of apelin is increased. The relationship between apelin and metabolic disorders is a new area of investigation. Recent data have highlighted a role of apelin, not only in carbohydrate but also in lipid metabolism. Apelin has emerged as a beneficial adipokine in obesity and diabetes. It therefore represents a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of metabolic disorders.