Natriuretic peptides in the central nervous system: Novel targets for cognitive impairment

Simin Mahinrad; Anton J M de Craen; Sevil Yasar; Diana van Heemst; Behnam Sabayan

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.022

Natriuretic peptides in the central nervous system: Novel targets for cognitive impairment

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016 Sep:68:148-156. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.022. Epub 2016 May 24.

Authors

Simin Mahinrad¹, Anton J M de Craen², Sevil Yasar³, Diana van Heemst⁴, Behnam Sabayan⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center tower, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁴ Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁵ Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 27229760
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.022

Abstract

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are traditionally known as cardiac hormones with diuretic, natriuretic and blood pressure lowering properties. Evidence indicates that NPs and their receptors are abundant in the central nervous system, suggesting their involvement in regulation of various brain functions. It has been shown that NPs are involved in the regulation of neurovascular and blood-brain barrier integrity, neuro-inflammation, neuroprotection, synaptic transmission and brain fluid homeostasis. In addition, NPs might contribute to the brain's inhibitory control over the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Studies have also shown that high systemic levels of NPs are associated with cognitive impairment independent of cardiovascular risk factors. In this review we discuss the potential roles of NPs in regulating structural and functional integrity of the brain. Based on the available neurobiological and clinical evidence, we propose that NPs might represent as potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cognitive impairment.

Keywords: Central nervous system; Cognitive impairment; Natriuretic peptides.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cardiovascular Diseases
Central Nervous System
Cognitive Dysfunction*
Humans
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
Natriuretic Peptides
Pituitary-Adrenal System
Risk Factors

Substances

Natriuretic Peptides