Protective effects of apelin on gastric mucosa

Abstract

The apelin/APJ system, which has a widespread distribution in the body, is involved in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms such as regulation of blood pressure, stress response, immunological activities, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Apelin also undertakes various tasks in the digestive system such as cell proliferation, secretion of hormones (eg. cholecystokinin and histamine), modulation of gastric and pancreatic secretions, and motility response. Recent researchs have reported that apelin exerts gastroprotective effects by regulating the components of gastric mucosal barrier. Mucosal disorders that can develop in the stomach due to different reasons such as microbial infections, drug use, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exposure to stress, pepsin, and acid affect a significant proportion of the human population in the world. This review discusses the role of apelin in the protective mechanisms of gastric mucosa against harmful effects.

Keywords: Apelin; Ischemia-reperfusion; Mucosal injury; Oxidative stress; Protection; Ulcer.