The natriuretic peptide system as a possible therapeutic target for stress-induced obesity

Genetic and environmental influences are both known to be causal factors in the development and maintenance of obesity. Stress related chronic stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and resulting increased glucocorticoid exposure are known to be important pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of obesity. Amongst many other factors involved, we hypothesize that the natriuretic peptide system, mediating endocrine and behavioral responses to stress, may also be involved in modulation of long-term body weight, and review the current available data supporting this hypothesis. Alterations in the natriuretic peptide system may not only constitute a genetic risk factor for alcohol drinking; moreover, recently the idea of an additional involvement of the natriuretic peptide system in the pathophysiology of stress-induced obesity emerged.