Descoperirea peptidelor natriuretice

Abstract

Natriuretic peptides have a relatively recent history. The discovery of the natriuretic peptides emerged as a breakthrough in the modern cardiovascular physiology and pathology, as the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was the first hormone identified in the myocardium, representing the first evidence of an endocrine role of the heart. This discovery inaugurated a new era in both basic and clinical research, other members of the natriuretic peptides family and also other myocardial peptides (the rennin-angiotensinaldosterone- vasopressin system) being relatively soon thereafter identified. These are key peptides for the topical conception and understanding of the neuroendocrine regulation of the cardiovascular system. All these contributed to novel diagnostic, prognostic, management, and screening opportunities in cardiovascular diseases, raising perspectives for new and challenging therapeutic options in the same time. Four natriuretic peptides have been identified up to present: A-type (ANP), B-type (BNP), C-type (CNP), D-type (DNP) natriuretic peptides. New members of the natriuretic peptide family continue to be discovered. A relative recent study reported the identification of three novel natriuretic-like peptides in the venom of the Australian inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus). These peptides have been denoted as TNP-a, -b, and -c. The discovery of the natriuretic peptides, along with other neurohormonal systems involved in the neuroendocrine regulation of the cardiovascular system were crucial for the establishment of a novel integrated basic and clinical research field – cardiovascular endocrinology.