Natriuretic Peptide Receptors (NPRs) as a Potential Target for the Treatment of Heart Failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure is defined as a complex clinical syndrome that results from any structural or functional impairment of ventricular filling or ejection of blood. The natriuretic peptide is known to exert its biological action on the kidney, heart, blood vessels, renin-angiotensin system, autonomous nervous system, and central nervous system. The natriuretic peptide-natriuretic receptor system plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and body fluid volume through its pleiotropic effects.

RECENT FINDINGS: The clinical and animal studies suggest that natriuretic peptide-natriuretic receptors are important targets for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Even though attempts targeting natriuretic peptide receptors are underway for heart failure treatment, they seem insufficient despite the receptor systems' potential. This review summarizes natriuretic peptide-natriuretic receptor system's physiological actions and potential target for the treatment of heart failure. Natriuretic peptides play multiple roles in different parts of the body, almost all of the activities related to this receptor system appear to have the potential to be harnessed to treat heart failure or symptoms associated with heart failure.