DRUG-MEDIATED IMPROVEMENT IN GLOBAL DNA METHYLATION AMONG HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS: OBSERVATIONS FROM NORTH-INDIAN POPULATION-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Objective: Hypertension has been reported to affect global DNA methylation levels negatively. However, the effect of anti-hypertensive drugs on methylation levels remains understudied. The present study aims to explore the relationship between the use of anti-hypertensive drugs and peripheral blood leucocyte global DNA methylation levels in two North-Indian populations. Design and method: The present study combines the observations of two population-based cross-sectional studies conducted among adult individuals (aged 30 years and above) of either sex belonging to the Jat community of Palwal, Haryana (n = 543) (completed), and the Jat Sikh community of Mansa district, Punjab (n = 148) (ongoing). Data pertaining to socio-demographic variables and the use of anti-hypertensive drugs were collected using pre-tested and modified interview schedules. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were captured from each participant using standard protocols. Peripheral blood leucocyte global DNA methylation levels were estimated using ELISA-based colorimetric technique. SPSS version 22 was used to perform statistical analysis. Results: Hypertensive cases were found to be significantly hypomethylated than the control groups in both communities. When stratified for medication, the median global DNA methylation level of hypertensive cases on any type of anti-hypertensive drug was found to be significantly higher than that of those hypertensive individuals who were not on medication. In fact, median DNA methylation levels of hypertensive cases on medication were comparable to that of controls. These trends were consistent in both the studied populations. Conclusions: The use of anti-hypertensive drugs appears to improve the global DNA methylation level among hypertensive cases. More studies are required to understand the pathway through which antihypertensive drugs act on DNA methylation levels and if improving DNA methylation levels through dietary interventions would have a similar antihypertensive effect.