NT-ProBNP: From endocrine functions of heart to inflammation

The history of research on the natriuretic peptides can be traced back to 1956 when early studies using the electron microscope showed that granules similar to those in endocrine glands were found in the cells of the atria. Along with its role in maintaining blood volume homeostasis, its association with inflammatory process and markers during cardiovascular diseases has been recently under observation. In clinical settings, B type natriuretic peptides (BNP or NT-ProBNP) characteristics need to be better understood as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Hence role of BNP/NT-ProBNP as inflammatory biomarker has been evaluated in this review article.