Nuovi marcatori di funzione cardiaca: focus sul peptide natriuretico di tipo C (Rassegna)

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a peptide produced by the vascular endothelium with vasodilative properties. It shares structural and physiological properties with the atrial and brain natriuretic peptides. While the central role of these latter peptides in the pathophysiology of heart failure (CHF) is firmly established, the role of CNP has not been yet completely determined. In this paper we examine the current literature relating to cardiovascular functions of CNP, specially to its role in CHF. In fact, althought further evaluations are required to define its full pathophysiological role in CHF, CNP may represent an important new local autocrine and endocrine mediator in this conditions.