Natriuretic Peptides as Key Regulators and Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disorders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32792/utq/utjsci/v13i1.1613Keywords:
CVD, ANP, BNP, CAD, natriuretic peptidesAbstract
Currently, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the foremost cause of death and disability across the globe. This is due to the complexity of the underlying biological processes that drive CVDs, including endothelial dysfunction, dysfunction of the heart muscle, and dysregulation of the neurohormones (hormones that affect the nervous system) that affect heart. To maintain cardiovascular homeostasis, natriuretic peptides (NPs), specifically ANP and BNP function to help control blood pressure, fluid status, and vessels. NPs achieve these physiological effects through their regulation of cGMP, which is involved in the modulation of vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis. In addition, NPs oppose the RAAS and sympathetic nervous system, thus limiting myocardial remodeling and preventing CVD progression. ANP and BNP and their inactive forms, NT-proBNP, have become reliable clinical biomarkers for diagnosing patients, providing risk stratification, and determining prognosis for CVDs. Elevated levels of NP indicate myocardial stress, ventricular dysfunction, and increased risk of a negative clinical outcome. Furthermore, research suggests that NPs may have therapeutic benefits in modulating the neurohormones to improve CVD outcomes. This article summarizes the key aspects of the structure, physiological functions, and molecular mechanisms of NPs and presents evidence to support their role as both clinically significant biomarkers and physiologically necessary regulators of CVDs.
Received: 09-04-2026
Revised: 03-05-2026
Accepted: 10-05-2026
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