Title:Natriuretic Peptides as the Basis of Peptide Drug Discovery for Cardiovascular Diseases
Volume: 20
Issue: 32
Author(s): Yana Lerner, Wessal Hanout, Shulamit Fluss Ben-Uliel, Samar Gani, Michal (Pellach) Leshem and Nir Qvit*
Affiliation:
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Henrietta Szold St. 8, P.O. Box 1589, Safed,Israel
Keywords:
Peptides, Peptidomimetics, Natriuretic peptides, Therapeutic, Cardiovascular diseases, Drug discovery, Cardiovascular
system, Circulatory system.
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death, accounting for more
than 17.6 million deaths per year in 2016, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million
by 2030. While many technologies are currently under investigation to improve the therapeutic outcome
of CVD complications, only a few medications have been approved. Therefore, new approaches
to treat CVD are urgently required. Peptides regulate numerous physiological processes, mainly by
binding to specific receptors and inducing a series of signals, neurotransmissions or the release of
growth factors. Importantly, peptides have also been shown to play an important role in the circulatory
system both in physiological and pathological conditions. Peptides, such as angiotensin II, endothelin,
urotensin-II, urocortins, adrenomedullin and natriuretic peptides have been implicated in the control of
vascular tone and blood pressure as well as in CVDs such as congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis,
coronary artery disease, and pulmonary and systemic hypertension. Hence it is not surprising that peptides
are becoming important therapeutic leads in CVDs. This article will review the current knowledge
on peptides and their role in the circulatory system, focusing on the physiological roles of natriuretic
peptides in the cardiovascular system and their implications in CVDs.
