N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that metabolic syndrome is associated with lower levels of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) in the general population. However, there is no study about the association between Nt-proBNP and metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients. AIM: To elucidate the relationship between Nt-proBNP and components of metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 74 hypertensive patients in our institution. Plasma levels of Nt-proBNP and other biochemical data were measured. Metabolic syndrome and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation. RESULTS: Forty-four hypertensive patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. We found that plasma Nt-proBNP levels were lower in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome attributable to inverse relationships between Nt-proBNP and albumin, triglyceride, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-β). We further performed a multivariable linear regression analysis. The result showed that HOMA-IR is the independent predictor of plasma Nt-proBNP levels in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma Nt-proBNP levels are inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients. HOMA-IR is the independent predictor of Nt-proBNP in hypertensive patients.