Urocortins in heart failure

Venkatasubramanian, S., Newby, D. E. and Lang, N. N. (2010) Urocortins in heart failure. Biochemical Pharmacology, 80(3), pp. 289-296. (doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.03.032) (PMID:20363214)

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lang, Professor Ninian and Newby, Professor David
Authors: Venkatasubramanian, S., Newby, D. E., and Lang, N. N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Biochemical Pharmacology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0006-2952
ISSN (Online):1873-2968
Published Online:02 April 2010

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