Daily profile of circulating C-type natriuretic peptide in pre-ascitic cirrhosis and in normal subjects: Relationship with renal function

Abstract

Objective. To investigate whether the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) has a role in the regulation of fluid and sodium homeostasis in normal subjects and in pre-ascitic cirrhotic patients. Material and methods. The daily profile of CNP plasma levels was assessed by serial measurements (0700 h, 0900 h, 1800 h, 2300 h) in 10 pre-ascitic cirrhotic outpatients (age 56±4 years) and in 10 age-matched healthy controls (54±2 years) on a normal sodium diet (150 mmol/day) while carrying on their usual activities (mobile from 0700 h to 2200 h), after an equilibration period of 5 days. Daily diuresis and natriuresis were also monitored. Results. Mean daily CNP was comparable in cirrhotic and healthy subjects (3.64±0.32 versus 3.20±0.20 pg/ml; p=0.139); CNP concentration showed a tendency towards a circadian fluctuation in healthy subjects (p=0.053) but not in patients (p=0.171). Mean daily CNP concentration significantly correlated with 24-h natriuresis (r=0.709; p=0.022) and urine volume (r=0.745; p=0.013) in patients but not in healthy subjects. Conclusions. CNP plasma levels appear to play a role in the water-sodium balance regulation in patients with pre-ascitic cirrhosis.

• Ascites
• cirrhosis
• C-type natriuretic peptide
• natriuresis