Regulation of mitochondria function by natriuretic peptides.

ABSTRACT

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are well known to promote renal Na+ excretion, counteracting the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Thus, NPs serve as a key component in the maintenance of blood pressure, influencing fluid retention capabilities via osmoregulation. Recently, NPs have been shown to affect lipolysis and enhance lipid oxidation and mitochondrial respiration. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge about the relationship between NPs and mitochondria-mediated processes such as reactive oxygen species production, Ca2+ signaling, and apoptosis. Establishing a clear physiological and mechanistic connection between NPs and mitochondria in the cardiovascular system will open new avenues of research aimed at understanding and potentially using it as a therapeutic target from a completely new angle.