The mRNA levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a heart failure marker synthesized in the LV in response to pressure and volume overload [15], increased in the myocardium of SHRSP5/Dmcr rats fed an HFC diet; however, it decreased in response to nitrite supplementation in drinking water (500 mg/L in drinking water administered for 4 weeks). Here, NPPB is linked to heart failure.