A novel heart-adipose tissue axis: Atrial natriuretic peptide and leptin interactions in man

Increased levels of leptin are common features of obesity and type 2 diabetes, reflecting leptin resistance. Reduced circulating natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations are independently associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity, while increased natriuretic peptide levels appear to be protective. Observational studies suggest that high NP levels are associated with reduced leptin concentrations. Whether or not this is a causal relationship is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) acutely decreases leptin levels in 12 healthy men. We infused ANP intravenously over 135 minutes w…