Apelin acts as a mediator of the cardiovascular control, including for blood pressure and blood flow. It is one of the most potent stimulators of cardiac contractility yet identified, and plays a role in cardiac tissue remodeling. Apelin levels are increased in left ventricles of patients with chronic heart failure and also in patients with chronic liver disease. 5
It is also an adipocyte endocrine secretion, making adipocytic and circulating levels of apelin higher in obesity. Insulin exerts a positive action on adipocyte apelin production.
In addition, apelin regulates fluid homeostasis. It is important in the hypothalamic regulation of food and water intake, and pituitaryhormone release.
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