Cardiac natriuretic peptides and obesity

What is it about?

The clinical significance of cardiac Natriuretic Peptides (cNP) plasma levels has been shown to differ in obese and non-obese subjects. Recent lines of evidence suggest important metabolic effects of the cNP system, which has been shown to activate lipolysis, enhance lipid oxidation and mitochondrial respiration. Clinically, these properties lead to browning of white adipose tissue and to increased muscular oxidative capacity. In patients without heart disease higher cNP concentrations were observed in lean, insulin-sensitive subjects, while obese and type-2 diabetics may display reduced cNP levels.

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Why is it important?

Understanding this role should help define novel principles in the treatment of cardiometabolic disease.