Abstract |
Urotensin-II (U-II), a cyclic undecapeptide, and its receptor, UT, have been linked to vascular and cardiac remodeling. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), it has been shown that U-II plasma levels are significantly greater than in normal patients and the severity of the disease is increased proportionally to the U-II plasma levels. We showed that U-II protein and mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the arteries of patients with coronary atherosclerosis in comparison to healthy arteries. We observed U-II expression in endothelial cells, foam cells, and myointimal and medial vSMCs of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries. Recent studies have demonstrated that U-II acts in synergy with mildly oxidized LDL inducing vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) proliferation. Additionally, U-II has been shown to induce cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy leading to cardiac remodeling. When using a selective U-II antagonist, SB-611812, we demonstrated a decrease in cardiac dysfunction including a reduction in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. These findings suggest that U-II is undoubtedly a potential therapeutic target in treating cardiovascular remodeling.
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Authors | Panayiota Papadopoulos, Nicolas Bousette, Adel Giaid |
Journal | Peptides
(Peptides)
Vol. 29
Issue 5
Pg. 764-9
(May 2008)
ISSN: 0196-9781 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17988761
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Chemical References |
- SB-611812
- Sulfonamides
- Urotensins
- urotensin II
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Topics |
- Cardiovascular System
(anatomy & histology, metabolism)
- Coronary Artery Disease
(genetics, metabolism, pathology)
- Humans
- Sulfonamides
(metabolism)
- Urotensins
(antagonists & inhibitors, genetics, metabolism)
- Ventricular Remodeling
(physiology)
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