Natriuretic peptide B (BNP) (BNP)

Natriuretic peptide B (BNP) is a 32-amino acid peptide hormone primarily synthesized and secreted by the ventricular myocardium in response to increased wall tension and pressure overload (UniProt P16860). It plays a critical role in cardiovascular homeostasis by promoting vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis, while simultaneously inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the sympathetic nervous system (PubMed: 11723444). In clinical practice, BNP and its N-terminal pro-hormone (NT-proBNP) are widely used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for heart failure (StatPearls: BNP). Therapeutically, recombinant BNP (nesiritide) is used for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure to reduce pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and improve dyspnea (DrugBank: DB00072). Additionally, the inhibition of neprilysin, the enzyme responsible for BNP degradation, is a key strategy in modern heart failure management to enhance the beneficial effects of endogenous BNP (PubMed: 25176015). The biological effects of BNP are mediated through its binding to the natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A), which triggers the production of cyclic GMP (PubMed: 16418439). Elevated levels of BNP are indicative of cardiac distress and are used to guide therapy in patients with congestive heart failure (PubMed: 12181401).

Other names

Brain natriuretic peptideB-type natriuretic peptideNPPBGamma-brain natriuretic peptide

Binding and activation of the natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A), which increases intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and increased sodium excretion.