Neprilysin inhibition does not alter dynamic of proenkephalin‐A 119‐159 and pro‐substance P in heart failure

Abstract

Abstract Aims As NEP degrades many substrates, the specific therapeutic mechanism of NEP inhibition with angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is not entirely evident. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of two substrates of NEP—the tachykinin and enkephalin systems—to the initiation of ARNi therapy in HFrEF. Methods and results Between 2016 and 2018, 141 consecutive patients with stable HFrEF [74 with initiation of ARNi and 67 controls on continuous angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy] were prospectively enrolled. Plasma proenkephalin‐A 119‐159 (PENK) and pro‐substance P (pro‐SP) were serially determined. Proenkephalin‐A 119‐159 and pro‐SP correlated strongly with each other (rs = 0.67, P 0.05 between groups). Conclusions Although enkephalins and SP are known substrates of NEP, NEP inhibition by ARNi does not clearly affect the circulating precursors PENK and pro‐SP in HFrEF.

Keywords

• Neprilysin
• Substance P
• Enkephalin
• ARNi
• Heart failure