Association of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide and sex hormone-binding globulin in non-obese peri- and postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND

The relationships between N-terminal fragment proBNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) (NT-proBNP) and sex steroid hormones have not been fully elucidated. We examined these associations in pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women without known cardiovascular disease. We also examined the change in circulating NT-proBNP caused by a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist in order to clarify the effect of acute hormone deficiency on NT-proBNP.

METHODS

Forty-nine premenopausal women, 101 perimenopausal women and 108 postmenopausal women were enrolled in one study. Forty-four premenopausal women with leiomyoma were recruited for another study, and 22 of those women were treated with a GnRH agonist. Serum levels of NT-proBNP, estradiol, testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured.

RESULTS

NT-proBNP concentrations showed significant inverse correlations with body mass index (BMI) in peri- and postmenopausal women. Serum NTproBNP concentrations showed significant positive correlations with SHBG in peri- and postmenopausal women. These significant correlations remained after adjustment for age and BMI. Serum NT-proBNP concentration was significantly decreased after GnRH agonist administration, while NT-proBNP concentration in the control group did not change significantly. Serum SHBG level was also significantly decreased after GnRH agonist administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating NT-proBNP levels are positively associated with SHBG levels in non-obese peri- and postmenopausal women, and this relationship was found under the condition of acute hormone deficiency induced by GnRH agonist treatment.