Updates on Endothelial Functions of Proangiogenic Prokineticin.

Coronary and renal blood flows are important for maintaining cardiac and renal function. Endothelial cells (ECs) play critical roles in forming new vessels and regulating vessel functions. ECs also protect the surrounding tissues by secreting a variety of biologically active substances. Endothelial dysfunction occurs in various forms of cardiovascular and renal diseases. It plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes, hypertension, type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic renal failure. Microvascular endothelial dysfunction correlates with reduced coronary flow reserve in patients with coronary artery disease. These findings support the existence of a link between endothelial dysfunction and the development of structural changes in coronary circulation. Endothelial dysfunction, together with inflammation, is involved in the loss of kidney function among subjects with chronic kidney failure. Endothelial dysfunction may serve as a marker for the initiation and progression of insulin resistance, chronic kidney failure, and cardiovascular diseases. New insights into the regulation of endothelial function will be obtained through greater understanding of the signaling pathways within ECs. New pharmacological strategies that specifically target ECs hold promise for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Here, we summarize recent findings on the proangiogenic factors, prokineticins, and their receptors in endothelial function/dysfunction and discuss the potential implications toward novel therapeutic targets in cardiovascular and renal diseases.