Despite modern advances in the treatment of the causes and consequences of cardiovascular illness,
heart disease and
heart failure remain a leading cause of death in the western world. Many novel
peptides are emerging as
biomarkers and potential therapeutic tools for this debilitating condition.
Urocortins represent one such group of
peptides whose role in normal cardiovascular physiology and disease states is now increasingly being recognized. The cardiovascular effects of the
urocortins are mediated via
corticotrophin-releasing
hormone (
CRH) receptors through a variety of intra-cellular signaling pathways. Studies to date have demonstrated a favourable effect of
urocortins on hemodynamic and neurohumoral regulation. They cause relaxation of the vasculature as well as having positive inotropic, chronotropic and lusitropic effects on the heart. This makes the
urocortins a potentially attractive target in the treatment of
heart failure. Indeed, a number of studies have demonstrated increased
urocortin activity in experimental and clinical
heart failure, with apparent augmented responses in these states. This article provides a review of the role of
urocortins in normal cardiovascular physiology and in the pathophysiology of
heart failure.