Proteins secreted by the heart have been linked to obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance — the hallmarks of diabetes — in new research published in the journal Obesity.

The findings suggest a new approach that aims to control the proteins in blood — known as cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) — may help treat metabolic disorders, including Type 2 diabetes.

"Our results illustrate how the regulation of (NPs) is altered in obesity, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes," said study co-author Sheila Collins, a specialist with the Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP).

"When we examined fat (adipose) tissue from patients with these metabolic conditions, we found higher levels of the receptor that clears NPs from circulation, suggesting that if we can boost NP levels and/or reduce the level of its clearance receptor, we may be able to correct some of these conditions."

NPs are hormones produced by the heart that influence blood pressure. When the heart senses elevated pressure, it releases NPs, which go to the kidneys, triggering the body to release salt and water from the bloodstream to lower blood pressure.

But NP levels also play an additional role in metabolism and obesity, with past studies showing levels of the hormones are lower in obese individuals and those with metabolic risk factors, including high glucose levels.

"Overall, our results suggest that drugs that target the pathway(s) that lead to increased NP levels may be a new way to treat metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, and potentially Type 2 diabetes,” Collins said.

"Since we already have access to [Food and Drug Administration]-approved drugs to control blood sugar, and we know that these drugs impact NP levels, we may be able to redesign these drugs to specifically target other metabolic conditions including obesity,"