Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the three homolog neuropeptides, urocortin (UCN) 1, 2 and 3, are the major neuroendocrine factors implicated in the response of the body to stress. Recent evidence suggests that UCNs have a significant role in the pathogenesis and management of cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. These data led to the initiation of clinical trials testing a possible role of UCNs in the diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular disease, with encouraging results. Here, we summarize the available literature concerning the role of UCNs in the cardiovascular system, focusing on the emerging data creating a potential for clinical applications.

促肾上腺皮质激素释放因子（CRF）和三个同源神经肽，尿皮质素（UCN）1、2和3，是机体对压力反应的主要神经内分泌因子。最近的证据表明，UCN在心血管疾病（如充血性心力衰竭，缺血性心脏病和高血压）的发病机理和管理中具有重要作用。这些数据导致了开始临床试验，以测试UCN在心血管疾病的诊断和治疗中的可能作用，并取得令人鼓舞的结果。在这里，我们总结了有关UCN在心血管系统中的作用的现有文献，重点是为临床应用创造潜力的新兴数据。