Circulating trans fatty acids are related to serum levels of NT-proBNP in general population

Background: The consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) increases the risk of heart disease morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between measurable indicators of TFAs and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in general population remains unclear.

Methods: 1478 adult participants with complete information on circulating TFA and NT-proBNP levels from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 were included in our cross-sectional survey. Smooth curve fitting, multivariable linear regression and binary logistic regression were performed to analyze the relationship between TFAs and NT-proBNP. We also conducted stratified analyses and interaction terms to explore the potential modifiers of the association.

Results: Participants were grouped by quartiles of NT-proBNP levels. One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in the plasma TFA concentrations across the groups. The smooth curve fitting diagram confirmed a significant linear relationship between TFAs and NT-proBNP. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that palmitelaidic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linolelaidic acid and total TFAs was linearly and positively related to NT-proBNP. Stratified analyses and the interaction test showed that age, sex, and BMI did not affect the relation between them (P value for interaction >0.05). The results of binary logistic regression indicated that participants who were in higher quartiles of elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linolelaidic acid and total TFAs showed a higher prevalence of elevated NT-proBNP.

Conclusion: In a national sample of adults, circulating TFAs, regardless of their industrial or ruminant origin, were positively associated with NT-proBNP.