Fig. 2

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of Apelin action in cardiovascular and vascular diseases. Apelin enhances ACE2 expression and inhibits AT1R signaling, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This promotes the conversion of Ang II to Ang (1–7), a cardio-protective factor that stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production via eNOS and the MasR pathway. These processes lead to blood vessel dilation, angiogenesis, and prevention of vascular occlusion