Genetic Polymorphisms of the Natriuretic Peptide System in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease: What Lies on the Horizon?

BACKGROUND: The natriuretic peptide hormone family
includes various proteins characterized by similar
chemical structure and shared biological functions,
with important effects on the cardiovascular system.
Accordingly, these molecules are widely recognized as
key clinical biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring
of heart failure, hypertension, and coronary heart
disease.
CONTENT: Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms
have been recently identified in genes associated with
the natriuretic system. This review provides an overview
of new insights into the functional role of these
genetic variants, as well as their impact on cardiovascular
physiopathology and drug response.
CONCLUSIONS: Noteworthy relationships between some
specific polymorphisms and clinical correlates of cardiovascular
disease have emerged. Nevertheless, future
confirming studies are needed to substantiate the clinical
relevance of such variants.
© 2009 American Association for Clinical Chemistry