Use of salusin for predicting atherosclerosis and components of the metabolic syndrome

Salusin 13 is a bioactive peptide, detectable in many tissues and body fluids, first identified nearly 20 years ago. Since then, many studies have been performed to define the role of salusin 13, concentrating on its role in atherosclerosis and conditions leading to vascular injury such as hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, in which salusin 13 seems to play a proatherogenic role. Previous literature has evaluated salusin as a predictor of atherosclerosis. Herein, we performed online research using 5 databases, namely PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were articles published in the years 2017-2022, concerning the association between salusin 13 and obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. The aim of the review was to provide comprehensive data regarding the latest studies in this area. The latest research confirms that salusin 13 plays an important role in the development of vascular remodeling, inflammation, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Additionally, the peptide is associated with hyperglycemia and lipid disorders, and its widespread activity makes it a potential therapeutic target. However, there is a need for additional studies to confirm the potential role of salusin 13 as a novel target for treatment. Many of the reports were performed in animal models, while research conducted in humans was generally based on small groups of patients and not always compared with healthy controls; studies enrolling children are rare.