Abstract
BackgroundBlood pressure (BP) is a complex, multifactorial clinical outcome driven by genetic susceptibility, behavioral choices, and environmental factors. Many molecular mechanisms have been proposed for the pathophysiology of high BP even as its prevalence continues to grow worldwide, increasing morbidity and marking it as a major public health concern. To address this, we evaluated miRNA profiling in blood leukocytes as potential biomarkers of BP and BP-related risk factors.MethodsThe Beijing Truck Driver Air Pollution Study included 60 truck drivers and 60 office workers examined in 2008. On two days separated by 1–2 weeks, we examined three BP measures: systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure measured at both pre- and post-work exams for blood NanoString nCounter miRNA profiles. We used covariate-adjusted linear mixed-effect models to examine associations between BP and increased miRNA expression in both pooled and risk factor-stratified analyses.ResultsOverall 43 miRNAs were associated with pre-work BP (FDR<0.05). In stratified analyses different but overlapping groups of miRNAs were associated with pre-work BP in truck drivers, high-BMI participants, and usual alcohol drinkers (FDR<0.05). Only four miRNAs were associated with post-work BP (FDR<0.05), in ever smokers.ConclusionOur results suggest that many miRNAs were significantly associated with BP in subgroups exposed to known hypertension risk factors. These findings shed light on the underlying molecular mechanisms of BP, and may assist with the development of a miRNA panel for early detection of hypertension.
Highlights
Hypertension (HTN), defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) above 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) above 90 mmHg, is a major public health concern worldwide [1, 2]
Our results suggest that many miRNAs were significantly associated with Blood pressure (BP) in subgroups exposed to known hypertension risk factors
Greater insight into molecular mechanisms related to elevated blood pressure (EBP), a physiological event related to clinical HTN, can assist in addressing its current unmet public health burden
Summary
Hypertension (HTN), defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) above 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) above 90 mmHg, is a major public health concern worldwide [1, 2]. Greater insight into molecular mechanisms related to elevated blood pressure (EBP), a physiological event related to clinical HTN, can assist in addressing its current unmet public health burden. Since EBP results from a set of complex genetic, pathophysiological, and environmental factors [11] post-translational modifications are a natural candidate for biomarker studies of hypertension risk factors and early detection [11,12,13]. Studies have connected handfuls of miRNAs such as the miRNA130/301 family [19] to HTN via pathways such as promoting vasoconstriction and increasing pulmonary BP [20] Due to these associations and the stability of miRNAs, researchers have previously suggested their potential use as biomarkers for HTN [19,20,21,22].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
