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Current Heart Failure Reports
Published in: Current Heart Failure Reports 2/2010

Open Access 01-06-2010

Relaxin: Review of Biology and Potential Role in Treating Heart Failure

Authors: Sam L. Teichman, Elaine Unemori, John R. Teerlink, Gad Cotter, Marco Metra

Published in: Current Heart Failure Reports | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Relaxin is a naturally occurring human peptide initially identified as a reproductive hormone. More recently, relaxin has been shown to play a key role in the maternal hemodynamic and renal adjustments that accommodate pregnancy. An understanding of these physiologic effects has led to the evaluation of relaxin as a pharmacologic agent for the treatment of patients with acute heart failure. Preliminary results have been encouraging. In addition, the other known biologic properties of relaxin, including anti-inflammatory effects, extracellular matrix remodeling effects, and angiogenic and anti-ischemic effects, all may play a role in potential benefits of relaxin therapy. Ongoing, large-scale clinical testing will provide additional insights into the potential role of relaxin in the treatment of heart failure.
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Metadata
Title
Relaxin: Review of Biology and Potential Role in Treating Heart Failure
Authors
Sam L. Teichman
Elaine Unemori
John R. Teerlink
Gad Cotter
Marco Metra
Publication date
01-06-2010
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Heart Failure Reports / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1546-9530
Electronic ISSN: 1546-9549
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-010-0010-z

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