Interleukin-17A in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) A, the most important cytokine of the IL-17 family predominantly secreted by T helper 17 (Th17) cells, plays a critical role in the development of inflammatory diseases. Its receptor is an obligate heterodimer composed of IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) A and C, the main members of the IL-17R family. Binding of IL-17A to the IL-17RA/C complex can activate a variety of downstream signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), activator protein 1 (AP1) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) to induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Apelin and its receptor APJ in cardiovascular diseases.

Apelin is an adipokine that has been identified as an endogenous ligand for the orphan receptor APJ. Apelin and APJ are expressed in a diverse range of tissues with particular preponderance for the heart and vasculature. Apelin has powerful positive inotropic actions and causes endothelium- and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatation.