Significance of changes of plasma apelin concentration in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Objective: To investigate the changes of plasma apelin concentration and its role in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods: The plasma apelin levels in 32 patients with PH (PH group) and 30 healthy volunteers (normal control, NC group) were measured with radioimmunoassay. The pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and arterial blood gas (ABG) of PH group were measured as well. Results: (1) The plasma apelin concentration of PH group was significantly lower than those of NC group, (59 ± 31) vs (80 ± 30) pg/ml, P<0.01. (2) The ABG results: PAO2(64 ± 13)mmHg, PACO2(55 ± 13)mmHg, pH (7.37 ± 0.05). The PASP was (47 ± 16)mmHg. (3) The plasma apetin concentration was inversely correlated with PASP (r= -0.65, P <0.01). Conclusion: Apelin might be involved in the pathogenesis of PH, and decrease of apelin might be one of the factors causing disorder of pulmonary circulation homeostasis. (authors)