Plasma MR-proANP levels are associated with carotid intima-media thickness in the general community: the KORA F4 study.
OBJECTIVE
Subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and individuals with type 2 diabetes are at high risk for vascular complications. Hormones acting on vascular endothelium may be involved in the atherogenic process associated with metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation of pro-atrial natriuretic hormone (proANP) with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.


METHODS
In 1272 subjects participating in the KORA F4 study, we determined plasma levels of mid-regional proANP (MR-proANP) and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery. We used logistic regression models to investigate the relation of MR-proANP with components of MetS and IMT.


RESULTS
In multiple adjusted regression models, MR-proANP levels were inversely associated with MetS (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.93), central obesity (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.46-0.96), raised triglyceride levels (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.37-0.77), prediabetes (OR = 0.62, 95%, CI 0.44-0.87) and type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.88) when comparing the top quartile vs. the lower three quartiles. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between MR-proANP and IMT. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk markers, individuals with high MR-proANP plasma levels in the top quartile (Q4) had significantly lower IMT values (Q4 vs. Q1-Q3: β -0.0178, 95% CI -0.0344; -0.0013).


CONCLUSIONS
In this population-based study, high plasma concentrations of MR-proANP were significantly associated with a lower incidence of MetS components and lower measures of early atherosclerosis. The data suggest a link between MR-proANP levels and the development of vascular complications.
Diabetes Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV - Campus Innenstadt, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Group Diabetes, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany. Electronic address: cornelia.then@med.uni-muenchen.de.
C
C
Then
B
B
Kowall
A
A
Lechner
C
C
Meisinger
M
M
Heier
W
W
Koenig
A
A
Peters
J
J
Thiery
W
W
Rathmann
J
J
Seissler
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D001331:Automation; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D059168:Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D006728:Hormones; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D014280:Triglycerides; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor
Diabetes; Intima-media thickness; MR-proANP; Metabolic syndrome; Natriuretic peptide; Vasoactive hormones