N-Terminal Pro-C-Type Natriuretic Peptide: The Novel Marker in Selected Disease Units

Background: Amino-terminal pro C type natriuretic peptide (NT proCNP) is the N terminal fragment of the CNP precursor. NT proCNP occurs in an equimolar concentration with CNP in human plasma and is considered to be a marker of the extent of CNP biosynthesis. A recent study has shown associations between plasma NT proCNP and blood pressure; it is also an independent predictor of death and cardiac readmission in people with unstable angina. Beyond that, recent studies have focused on the applicability of assessing NT proCNP peptide levels in the diagnosis of diseases with different etiologies but the same denominator, i.e., inflammation. Methods: This study reviewed recent results on the usability of NT proCNP peptide levels in the diagnosis of diseases accompanied by statistical analysis of previously reported results. Results: The data obtained confirmed the applicability of the assessment of NT proCNP levels in biological fluids in diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, sepsis, meningitis, and asthenozoospermia. Conclusion: The reported results demonstrated that NT-proCNP is helpful in a variety of diseases. Furthermore, changes in serum or CSF levels of NT-proCNP reflect only inflammatory states related to general inflammation. Local inflammation does not trigger an increase in NT proCNP level.