A study using a 5/6 nephrectomy CKD model demonstrated reduced GFR in CKD rats, as well as increased IS levels, LV diastolic dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy with increased cardiac mRNA expression of hypertrophic markers (ANP, β-MHC and α-skeletal muscle actin) and cardiac fibrosis with increased cardiac expression of TGF-β, phospho-NF-κB and phospho-p44/42 and phospho-p38 MAPKs [141]. Here, NPPA is linked to chronic kidney disease.