Advances in the role of C-type natriuretic peptides in the circulatory system

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), one of the natriuretic peptides (NPs) family, plays an important role in mediating cardiovascular homeostasis and maintaining the cardiac structure. As a remarkable polypeptide hormone, CNP has been demonstrated capacilities to regulate fluid volume, water and salt balance. CNP also possesses vasorelaxing, anti-proliferation, and anti-hypertrophic properties, which may be related to heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiocerebral events. In the review, we described CNP structure, characteristics, receptors, and relative signaling pathway. This review is aimed to summarize the role of CNP in the circulation system and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, CNP-based drugs may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating heart failure, pulmonary artery hypertension and coronary artery disease. Key words: C-type natriuretic peptide; Circulation system; Cardiovascular disease