Low N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

M. L. Johansen*, M. Schou, J. Rasmussen, P. Rossignol, M. R. Holm, E. Chabanova, F. Dela, J. Faber, C. Kistorp

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim: Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have emerged as important regulators of lipid metabolism. Reduced levels of NPs are reported in obesity and in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This NP deficiency may affect their ectopic fat distribution and lead to high risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the association between N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and liver fat content was quantified using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 120 patients with T2D. Results: NAFLD (defined as liver fat content ≥ 5.6%) was found in 57 (48%) of the T2D patients, who also had significantly lower NT-proBNP (P = 0.002) levels compared with patients without NAFLD, but did not differ as regards the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or in kidney function. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, HbA1c, BMI, HOMA2-IR, CVD, eGFR), the odds ratio for the presence of NAFLD was increased by 2.9 (P = 0.048) for NT-proBNP levels < 45 ng/L. In a multivariable linear regression model, the relationship with NT-proBNP was further analyzed as a continuous variable, and was independently and inversely associated with increasing liver fat content after full adjustment (P = 0.031). Conclusion: Reduced plasma NT-proBNP levels are independently associated with high liver fat content in patients with T2D. The present study suggests that NP deficiency may play a role in the development of NAFLD in T2D.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDiabetes & Metabolism
Volume45
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)429-435
ISSN1262-3636
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Natriuretic peptide
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Type 2 diabetes

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