Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that affect how quickly cells age. They are combinations of DNA and protein that protect the ends of chromosomes and help them remain stable. As they become shorter, and as their structural integrity weakens, the cells age and die quicker.
See p 2392. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone secreted mainly in the cardiac ventricles in response to volume expansion and pressure overload.1,2 Activation of BNP in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has generated considerable interest in both its diagnostic and prognostic properties.
BNP belongs to a family of protein hormones called natriuretic peptides, which includes ANP, BNP, CNP, and DNP. Natriuretic peptides are part of the body's natural defense mechanisms designed to protect the heart from stress and play an important role in regulating circulation.