Natriuretic peptides A
negative regulation of JUN kinase activity
Cardiac hormones are c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 2-inhibiting peptides.
<h4>Background</h4>Four cardiac peptide hormones, namely vessel dilator, long-acting natriuretic peptide (LANP), kaliuretic peptide, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) have anticancer effects.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>The effects of these four cardiac hormones on human c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) were examined in human small cell lung cancer and human prostate cancer cells.<h4>Results</h4>Vessel dilator, LANP, kaliuretic peptide and ANP maximally reduced expression of JNK2 by 89%, 56%, 45%, and 28%, respectively (each at p<0.0001) in human small cell lung cancer cells. In human prostate adenocarcinoma cells, JNK2 was maximally decreased 76%, 56%, 45%, (each at p<0.0001), and 28% (p<0.01) secondary to vessel dilator, LANP, kaliuretic peptide and ANP, respectively.<h4>Conclusion</h4>These results indicate that four cardiac hormones are significant inhibitors (by up to 89%) of JNK2 in human small cell lung cancer cells and up to 76% in human prostate adenocarcinoma cells as part of their anticancer mechanism(s) of action.