Do urocortins have a role in treating cardiovascular disease?. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chatzaki, Ekaterini; Kefala, Nikoleta; Drosos, Ioannis; Lalidou, Fani; Baritaki, Stavroula
• Is Part Of: Drug discovery today. Volume 24:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 279
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Drugs -- Design -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Research -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-6446

Abstract

Highlights: Urocortins could serve as alternative/adjunct therapies for cardiovascular disease. Pre-clinical and clinical data for such uses of urocortins are promising. Urocortins may play a role in the treatment of ischemic heart disease, hypertension and heart failure. Abstract : Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the three homolog neuropeptides, urocortin (UCN) 1, 2 and 3, are the major neuroendocrine factors implicated in the response of the body to stress. Recent evidence suggests that UCNs have a significant role in the pathogenesis and management of cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. These data led to the initiation of clinical trials testing a possible role of UCNs in the diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular disease, with encouraging results. Here, we summarize the available literature concerning the role of UCNs in the cardiovascular system, focusing on the emerging data creating a potential for clinical applications.