Central role of guanylyl cyclase in natriuretic peptide signaling in hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Studied for nearly 30 years for its ability to control many parameters, such as vascular smooth muscle cell relaxation, heart fibrosis, and kidney function, the natriuretic peptide (NP) system is now considered to be a key element in several other major metabolic pathways. After stimulation by NPs, natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR) convert GTP to the second messenger cGMP. In addition to its vasodilatory effects and natriuretic and diuretic functions, cGMP has been positively associated with fat cell function, apoptosis, and NPR expression/activity modulation. The NP system is also closely linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS) progression and obesity control. A new era is now on its way targeting the NP system to not only treat high blood pressure, but to also assist in the fight against the obesity pandemic. Here, we summarize recent data on the role of NPs in hypertension and MetS.
Martel
G
G
Laboratory of Cellular Biology of Hypertension, Centre for Ecogenomic Models of Human Diseases, Centre de recherche, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Technopôle Angus, 2901 rue Rachel est, bureau 314, Montreal, QC H1W 4A4, Canada.
Hamet
P
P
Tremblay
Johanne
J
D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000378:metabolism; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D045265:Natriuretic Peptides / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D045265:Natriuretic Peptides; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase; D006152:Cyclic GMP