2011 年 38 巻 4 号 p. 517-523
Background The objective of this study was to identify factors influencing brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).
Methods and Results The subjects were 2,670 examinees undergoing a health checkup. Multiple regression analysis concerning log-transformed BNP was performed, and the following findings were clarified: (1) age, systolic blood pressure, and the hemoglobin level were important explanatory factors, (2) there was marked variation in the standard regression coefficient (β) of the percent body fat and body mass index (BMI), (3) there was a high frequency of an opposite sign of β for the BMI and percent body fat, and (4) there were larger absolute values of β for cholinesterase and albumin. Findings (2) and (3) indicate that the combination of the BMI and percent body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis is an important explanatory factors and we proposed that the difference between the BMI and percent body fat serves as a factor representing the body fluid volume or dehydration. Finding (4) suggest that undernutrition elevates the BNP level.
Conclusion Age, systolic blood pressure, and the hemoglobin level are important factors influencing BNP. The BMI alone is not a so important predictor, but the combination of the BMI and percent body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis is an important predictor. In addition, under-nutrition elevates the BNP level.