Associations of body composition parameters with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level in men with chronic heart failure

Aim. To study the associations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level with body composition parameters in comparison with body mass index (BMI) in men with chronic heart failure (CHF).
Material and methods. The study included 60 men aged 20-70 years with CHF of various etiologies and reduced or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The BMI was calculated using the Quetelet formula: [BMI = body weight (kg)/height (m2)]. Quantitative body composition (fat, muscle, and bone mass) was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. NT-proBNP level was determined with method of chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay using MAGTRATION technology.
Results. NT-proBNP level in men with normal body weight was significantly higher than in overweight and obese individuals (680 [427; 2994], 446 [381; 1667], 300 [226; 967] pg/ml (p<0.05), respectively). The amount of both fat and muscle mass was significantly higher in obese individuals, however, in a linear regression analysis adjusted for age NT-proBNP levels were independently associated only with the appendicular muscle mass and the appendicular skeletal muscle index.
Conclusion. Patients with CHF and obesity have lower NT-proBNP values than those with normal body weight. An independent inverse association of NT-proBNP level with BMI and with indicators of muscle mass, but not body fat, was demonstrated. These findings suggest that the muscle component of body weight contributes to the lower NT-proBNP values in CHF patients with high BMI.

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