This review by Lafontan et al. discussed the control of lipolysis by natriuretic peptides [atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)] and the metabolic implications related to this lipolytic pathway. Until recently, lipolysis in adipocytes was thought to be mediated exclusively by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-regulated pathway under the control of catecholamines and insulin. However, natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) have been shown to also stimulate lipid mobilization in humans through a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signalling pathway independent of cAMP production and PKA activity. The authors pointed out the physiological relevance of this pathway during physical exercise, which stimulates ANP release, as well as during chronic treatment with beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, which inhibit catecholamine-induced lipolysis but enhance cardiac ANP release. The authors noted, however, that additional clinical studies are needed to determine the impact of this endocrine pathway on physiological regulation and pathological dysfunctions.
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