Abstract P415: Weight Variation and Change in N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP)

Abstract

Introduction: Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are biochemical markers of cardiac function and NTproBNP strongly predicts heart failure. NPs also have a role in the adipose tissue, stimulating lipolysis, mitochondrial biogenesis and browning of adipocytes. Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated that diabetes and higher levels of adiposity are paradoxically associated with lower levels of BNP and NT-proBNP, suggesting that NPs may protect against metabolic dysregulation. Methods: We hypothesized that increases in NT-proBNP over time would be associated with decreases in weight and a lower risk of obesity in a community-based population. We analyzed data from 10,093 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study with measurements of NT-proBNP at two time points 6-years apart (visit 2, 1990-92 and visit 4, 1996-98). Multivariable regression models were used, and sensitivity analysis excluding patients with heart failure was performed. Results: Mean age at baseline (1990-1992) was 57 years (SD 6), 57% were women and 78% were white. The prevalence of obesity increased from 28% to 35% in the 6-year follow up period. Higher baseline levels of NT-proBNP were associated with reduced risk of obesity after adjustment for other risk factors ( Table ). There was an inverse association between change in NT-proBNP levels between the visits and weight change ( Figure ). Results were similar after excluding cases of heart failure. Conclusions: We found inverse associations of NT-proBNP levels with weight change and incidence of obesity. Our results suggest that NPs or their pathways may be potential targets in the treatment of obesity. Nonetheless, the molecular networks involving the natriuretic system are complex and additional work, especially intervention studies, are needed to address the clinical relevance of this finding.