The Circadian Rhythm of Copeptin, the C-Terminal Portion of Arginine Vasopressin

Abstract

Background. Several studies have investigated copeptin as a prognostic marker of different acute diseases and as a diagnostic marker in disorders of water and salt homeostasis. However, no data of the normal circadian rhythm of copeptin in healthy subjects are available. Aim. To investigate the circadian rhythm of copeptin in healthy subjects under standardized conditions. Methods. 19 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 53 years, male and female, were studied in a prospective observational study. In all 19 participants, blood samples for copeptin were taken in regular intervals of 30 minutes for 24 hours after a fasting period of minimum 8 hours. Results. The mean values of copeptin showed a circadian rhythm, similar to that described for AVP release, with a trend towards higher levels (5.9±1 pmol/L) at night and early morning between 4 am and 6 am and lowest levels (2.3±0.2 pmol/L) in the late afternoon between 5 pm and 7 pm. This finding was only observed in individuals with initial higher copeptin levels, whereas in individuals with lower basal copeptin levels no circadian rhythm was observed. Conclusion. There is evidence for a circadian rhythm in copeptin release during 24 hours, however, of minor extent. These findings suggest that copeptin levels can be determined irrespectively of the time of the day.