Effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Apelin and Visfatin in Hypertension

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are crucial in the management of cardiovascular diseases, by targeting the renin-angiotensin system, which plays a vital role in cardiovascular health. These drugs control hypertension and fluid imbalance, as well as influence adipose-derived hormones such as visfatin and apelin. The renin-angiotensin system is affected by these adipokines, which are closely associated with cardiovascular health and, consequently, can influence the complications of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the relationship between ARBs, apelin, and visfatin is essential to optimizing therapeutic approaches to controlling cardiovascular diseases. Apelin stimulates vasodilation through two mechanisms including either building a heterodimer with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) or increasing the release of nitric oxide (NO) through enhancing the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Visfatin is an adipocytokine with several interesting characteristics. Initially identified as a pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor, it later revealed enzymatic roles in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthesis. Researchers correlated higher visfatin levels with the risk of developing severe hypertension. Studies have demonstrated that ARBs influence the serum levels of apelin and visfatin, potentially enhancing their cardioprotective effects. This review article aims to highlight the roles and mechanisms of apelin and visfatin in hypertension, as well as the effects of ARBs on these adipokines.