Description
Urotensin II is a peptide ligand that binds the urotensin II (UT) receptor and can be used as a biomarker for hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Urotensin II increases expression of IL-6, IL-1β, VCAM-1, and tissue factor in vitro, exhibiting pro-inflammatory activity. Urotensin II also inhibits glucose transport through modulation of NADPH oxidase signaling, which increases levels of ROS and decreases phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK. Additionally, urotensin II can induce apoptosis in cardiac tissue cells and can induce relaxation in smooth muscle cells.