Metabolic Effects of Natriuretic Peptide Hormones

Accumulating evidence suggests that the natriuretic peptide (NP) hormonal system has important effects on metabolism. However, more information is needed to better understand the effects of NPs on metabolism in humans. Therefore, the investigators propose a study to determine the effects of b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) on energy and fat metabolism in humans. The investigators' primary hypothesis is that the administration of BNP will increase energy expenditure in humans. The investigators' secondary hypothesis is that BNP administration will promote changes in gene expression in fat tissue suggestive of fat "beiging" in humans. Interventions that safely increase energy expenditure and promote fat "beiging" represent potential strategies for treating metabolic dysfunction due to obesity.

Objective: The natriuretic peptide (NP) hormonal system is well-known for its important role in blood pressure regulation. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the NPs have significant effects on metabolism as well. For instance, administration of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) to wild-type mice leads to increased energy expenditure, changes in gene expression in fat tissue suggestive of fat "beiging" (which may be associated with cardiovascular and metabolic benefits), and reduced fat accumulation. Although recent studies in rodents suggest that NPs have important metabolic effects, there are few prospective data on the metabolic effects of NPs in humans. Therefore, the investigators propose a physiologic, proof-of-concept study to determine the acute effects of b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) on energy and fat metabolism in humans. The investigators' primary hypothesis is that the administration of BNP will increase energy expenditure in humans. The investigators' secondary hypothesis is that BNP administration will promote changes in gene expression in adipose tissue suggestive of a "beige" fat phenotype in humans. Research Plan: The investigators propose the following research plan to address the investigators' specific aims: Primary Aim: To investigate the acute effects of administration of BNP on energy expenditure in humans. The investigators propose a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in 50 adults (25 lean and 25 obese) without significant medical problems. Subjects will be randomized to intravenous infusion of recombinant human BNP(1-32) or normal saline (control), with assessment of energy expenditure and other physiologic measures. After a 7-day washout period, subjects will then undergo the other intervention. Secondary Aim: To determine the acute effects of BNP on gene expression in white adipose tissue in humans. The investigators will assess markers suggestive of fat beiging in subcutaneous white adipose tissue biopsies after BNP infusion vs. control. This secondary aim will allow us to explore potential mechanisms underlying the hypothesized changes in energy expenditure. Methods: In this cross-over study, each subject will receive BNP infusion at one visit and control at the other visit, in random order. The sequence of the treatments will be randomized. There will be a washout period (at least 14 days) between visits. Subjects will be stratified by BMI category (lean or obese). To address the Primary Aim, energy expenditure will be assessed via indirect calorimetry (metabolic cart). To address the Secondary Aim, subcutaneous fat biopsies will be performed, and tissue will be analyzed for gene expression of markers suggestive of fat beiging. Clinical Relevance: This study will generate novel human data regarding the effects of the NPs on energy metabolism and adipose tissue. Interventions that safely increase energy expenditure and promote a beige fat phenotype represent potential strategies for treating obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction. The overarching scientific goals of this line of investigation are (1) to elucidate the role of the natriuretic peptide system in cardiometabolic health in humans, and (2) to investigate the potential for NP directed therapies in obesity-associated cardiometabolic dysfunction. Update about Study Drug Supply Issues: The study started in 7/2018, and the last time participants were able to receive study drug was in May 2019, due to discontinuation of study drug by the drug manufacturer (nesiritide, Natrecor, Scios, LLC) after May 2019. Another potential source of drug supply was being sought out by the study team, and study recruitment was placed on hold during the search for new potential sources of study drug. A new viable source of study drug has not been identified, and funding is being closed. Thus, this study is being terminated. Results will be posted for the 5 participants who were able to complete the study procedures prior to the discontinuation of study drug.