ELABELA: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) refers to a paradoxical pathological process in which ischemic tissues or organs sustain further damage upon the restoration of blood flow and is clinically commonly observed in the peripheral vascular systems and various vital organs. In 2013, the endogenous peptidic hormone ELABELA (ELA) was identified as a novel native ligand of the APJ G protein-coupled receptor, alongside apelin. ELA is constitutively expressed in a range of adult and embryonic tissues and plays a role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, a rapidly growing body of research has highlighted the cytoprotective properties of ELA against IRI. In this review, we synthesize current research on the protective role of ELA in mitigating IRI across multiple organ systems.