Associations of plasma natriuretic peptide, adrenomedullin, and homocysteine levels with alterations in arterial...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Biomarker Analysis
• Vascular Physiology

Background:

• Arterial stiffness and elevated plasma natriuretic peptide and homocysteine levels are known cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• The relationship between natriuretic peptides, homocysteine, and arterial wall stiffness in the general population remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma concentrations of N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), adrenomedullin, and homocysteine with measures of arterial stiffness.
• To explore potential sex differences in these associations.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 1962 participants from the Framingham Heart Study (mean age 61 years, 56% women).
• Assessment of arterial stiffness using tonometry to measure central pulse pressure, forward and reflected pressure waves, and pulse wave velocity (carotid-femoral and carotid-radial).
• Statistical adjustment for age and clinical covariates, with interaction tests for sex differences.

Main Results:

• NT-proANP and BNP were associated with carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity, with significant sex differences observed.
• In men, NT-proANP and BNP also correlated with forward/reflected waves and carotid pulse pressure.
• Adrenomedullin associated with mean arterial pressure in men; homocysteine associated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and central pulse pressure in men.

Conclusions:

• Plasma levels of natriuretic peptides, adrenomedullin, and homocysteine are associated with specific alterations in conduit vessel properties.
• These associations exhibit notable differences between men and women, highlighting potential sex-specific pathways in cardiovascular health.