[Evaluation of plasma neuropeptide Y levels in patients with congestive heart failure]

Plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) was measured by radioimmunoassay in 43 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and 20 healthy control subjects. The results showed that plasma NPY levels were elevated in patients with CHF compared with control subjects (366 +/- 28 ng/L VS. 89 +/- 22 ng/L, P < 0.001). There was a close relationship between the severity of CHF and plasma NPY levels. The severer the CHF, the higher the NPY level. In addition, 20 of the 43 patients with symptoms improved after treatment for heart failure were followed. The results indicated a significant decrease of plasma NPY levels (333 +/- 42 ng/L VS. 157 +/- 25 ng/L, P < 0.01) in these patients. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence and severity of CHF were related to plasma NPY levels significantly and independently. Because of its potent vasoconstrictive and negative cardiac inotropic effects, NPY might be involved in the pathophysiology of CHF. Plasma NPY levels might be taken as a prognostic indicator in patients with CHF, but further investigation is needed.