Secondary Publication: Natriuretic Peptides in Heart Failure

Natriuretic peptides are among the most important discoveries in cardiovascular medicine, revealing the endocrine properties of the heart. Natriuretic peptides are activated in heart failure (HF) and play important cardioprotective roles. Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides are abundantly expressed and secreted in the atria and ventricles, respectively. They exert antagonistic effects on angiotensin II by inhibiting aldosterone secretion and exerting diuretic, natriuretic, and vasodilatory effects. Identifying natriuretic peptides has led to a burgeoning field of research characterizing their physiological roles in cardiovascular homeostasis and disease and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Carperitide and sacubitril/valsartan effectively treat HF by modulating the physiological effects of natriuretic peptides. Understanding the role of natriuretic peptides in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis and their pathophysiological significance in the development and progression of HF is fundamental for understanding the clinical relevance of natriuretic peptides in developing diagnostic and therapeutic agents for HF. This article is based on our study first reported in the "J Tokyo Wom Med Univ (in Japanese). 2024; 94 (3): 55-63."