Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine
Volume 9, Issue 3 , Pages 166-178, July 2008

Role of urotensin II in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases

  • Rajbabu Pakala

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationGHRB 313, 108 Irving Street, NW, Suite 4B-1, Washington, DC 20010, USA. Tel.: +1 202 877 3867; fax: +1 202 877 3997.

Cardiovascular Research Institute, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA

Received 29 November 2007; received in revised form 24 January 2008; accepted 5 February 2008.

Abstract 

Urotensin II (U-II) is a powerful vasoconstrictor peptide with a potency greater than that of endothelin 1. Its plasma level correlates positively with body weight and is raised in diabetes, renal failure, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure and carotid atherosclerosis. Experimental and clinical studies have revealed increased expression of U-II and U-II receptor (UT) in animals with experimentally induced myocardial infarction, heart failure, and in patients with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes, suggesting a potential role for U-II in coronary artery disease. Peptide and nonpeptide UT ligands have been shown to be effective in antagonizing the effects of U-II in the cardiovascular system. This article aims to review recent advances in physiology and pathophysiology of U-II with particular reference to its role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Urotensin II, Coronary artery disease, Atherosclerosis, Hypertension

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PII: S1553-8389(08)00008-0

doi:10.1016/j.carrev.2008.02.001

Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine
Volume 9, Issue 3 , Pages 166-178, July 2008

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