Serum atrial natriuretic peptide level inversely associates with metabolic syndrome in older adults

Aim Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a potent lipolytic agent that acts in adipose tissue. Low levels of ANP might lead to reduced lipolysis and excessive weight gain, which could be one of the biological alterations that contribute to the development of obesity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and fasting serum ANP concentrations in older adults. Methods Fasting blood samples were obtained from 90 older adults. Metabolic syndrome and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation. Results A total of 40 older adults (44.4%) had metabolic syndrome. Fasting ANP level was negatively correlated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.015). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) was positively correlated with serum logANP levels, whereas waist circumference (P = 0.001) and body fat mass (P = 0.002) were negatively correlated with fasting serum logANP levels. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 0.419, R2= 0.268, P < 0.001) and body fat mass (β = −0.396, R2 = 0.154, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of fasting serum logANP levels in geriatric persons. Conclusions Serum ANP levels were reduced in geriatric persons affected by metabolic syndrome. Body fat mass and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent predictors of fasting serum ANP levels in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 640–646.