Apelin/APJ signaling in hypoxia-related diseases

The regulatory peptide apelin is the endogenous ligand for the orphan G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Apelin and APJ exist in a variety of tissues, with special status in the heart, lung and tumors. Consequently, the apelin/APJ system exerts a broad range of activities that affect multiple organ systems. Accumulating evidence indicates that the expressions of apelin and APJ are significantly augmented by hypoxia through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling pathway. Increased apelin promotes cellular proliferation, migration and survival, therefore regulating angiogenesis. In addition, the pre-administration of exogenous apelin is involved in the occurrence and development of hypoxia-induced pathological diseases. The purpose of this article is to review the properties of the apelin/APJ system, which is affected by hypoxic conditions, and the regulation of apelin/APJ signaling in hypoxia-associated disorders. Thus, the apelin/APJ system may be a potential therapeutic target in hypoxia-related diseases.