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Natriuretic peptides levels are related to HDL-cholesterol with no influence on endothelium dependent vasodilatation

G Lupattelli1, S Marchesi, D Siepi

  • 1Internal Medicine Angiology and Atherosclerosis Disease, University of Perugia, Italy. glupa@unipg.it

VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten
|November 17, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Natriuretic peptides Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) levels are unchanged in hypercholesterolemia. However, HDL-cholesterol is linked to CNP levels, suggesting a role in vascular control.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Natriuretic peptides (BNP, CNP) regulate cardiovascular homeostasis.
  • Endothelial dysfunction, assessed by brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMV), is an early sign of atherosclerosis.
  • Altered FMV is common in cardiovascular risk factors like hypercholesterolemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) levels in hyperlipemia.
  • To explore the relationship between BNP, CNP, and brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMV) in hyperlipemic individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 44 hyperlipemic patients (LDL-C > 130 mg/dL or triglycerides > 150 mg/dL, age 35-60) and 20 normolipemic controls.
  • Assessed brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMV), BNP, and CNP levels.
  • Performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of FMV and CNP.

Main Results:

  • Hyperlipemic patients showed significantly lower brachial FMV compared to controls (3.9% vs 7.5%, p < 0.005).
  • No significant differences in BNP or CNP levels were found between groups.
  • HDL-cholesterol positively correlated with BNP (r=0.36, p=0.001).
  • Multivariate analysis identified LDL-C, HDL-C, and brachial artery diameter as predictors of FMV. HDL-C was the sole predictor of CNP (beta=0.37).

Conclusions:

  • BNP and CNP levels are not significantly altered in hypercholesterolemia.
  • HDL-cholesterol levels are strongly associated with CNP values in humans.
  • This suggests a novel vascular regulatory mechanism involving HDL and CNP.
Abstract

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