Increased Risk Of Hypertension Research Articles

Interactions of homocysteine and conventional predisposing factors on hypertension in Chinese adults.

This study aimed to investigate whether conventional predisposing factors modify the associations of homocysteine with blood pressure levels and hypertension. A total of 2615 adults were recruited from Liaoning province. An elevated homocysteine level was significantly associated with increased hypertension risk and blood pressure (all P<.05). Interaction analyses showed that homocysteine acted synergistically with age, overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, and family history of hypertension to affect hypertension risk, and the relative excess risk due to interaction was 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 0.07-2.35), 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.07-1.36), 0.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.85), and 1.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-2.97), respectively. Increases in blood pressure were higher in patients who were overweight/obese or had a family history of hypertension than in their counterparts (all Pinteraction <.05). This study provides some strong evidence for interactions of homocysteine with conventional predisposing factors on hypertension.

The mutation of Trp64Arg in β3-adrenoreceptor-encoding gene is significantly associated with increased hypertension risk and elevated blood pressure: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis was implemented to test the association of a missense mutation, Trp64Arg, in β3-adrenoreceptor-encoding gene (ADRB3) with both hypertension risk and blood pressure (BP) changes. A systematic search of three publicly-available databases was launched to look for articles published as of December 2016. Qualification appraisal and data extraction were independently done by two researchers. Pooled estimates were expressed as odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD), and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). There were separately 21 (3750/4225 patients/controls) and 17 (6100 subjects) individual studies for hypertension risk and BP changes. Integral analyses revealed that Trp64Arg mutation was associated with the significantly increased risk of hypertension, and particularly, the 64Trp/64Arg heterozygote carriers were 1.23-times more likely to develop hypertension compared with the 64Trp/64Trp homozygote carriers (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02∼1.46, P = 0.021). Publication bias was extremely low for all integral comparisons. In stratified analyses, significance was spotted in populations of Chinese descent, in retrospective studies, in hospital-based studies, in age-matched case-control studies, in studies enrolling patients with mean body mass index < 25 kg/m2 and in studies with total sample size ≥ 240. Heterogeneity was improved for most stratified comparisons. Further in hypertensive patients, the 64Trp/64Arg heterozygote carriers had significantly higher systolic (WMD = 0.87 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.39∼1.35, P < 0.001) and diastolic (WMD = 0.88 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.59∼1.17, P < 0.001) BP than 64Trp/64Trp homozygote carriers. Altogether, ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg mutation was significantly associated with an increased predisposition toward hypertension and elevated systolic/diastolic BP in hypertensive patients, suggesting that Trp64Arg is an important hypertension-susceptibility marker.

Excessive Respiratory Modulation of Blood Pressure Triggers Hypertension

The etiology of hypertension, the world's biggest killer, remains poorly understood, with treatments targeting the established symptom, not the cause. The development of hypertension involves increased sympathetic nerve activity that, in experimental hypertension, may be driven by excessive respiratory modulation. Using selective viral and cell lesion techniques, we identify adrenergic C1 neurons in the medulla oblongata as critical for respiratory-sympathetic entrainment and the development of experimental hypertension. We also show that a cohort of young, normotensive humans, selected for an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise and thus increased hypertension risk, has enhanced respiratory-related blood pressure fluctuations. These studies pinpoint a specific neuronal target for ameliorating excessive sympathetic activity during the developmental phase of hypertension and identify a group of pre-hypertensive subjects that would benefit from targeting these cells.

Associations between polymorphisms of the ADIPOQ gene and hypertension risk: a systematic and meta-analysis

ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms have been indicated to be associated with hypertension; however, published studies have reported inconsistent results. Eligible studies were retrieved by searching the PubMed, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The case group consisted of patients with hypertension, and the control group consisted of subjects with normal blood pressure. Based on eleven published articles, involving 4837 cases and 5618 controls, the pooled results from rs2241766 polymorphism showed increased risk in the allelic model (G VS T: OR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.06–1.27), recessive model (GG VS GT + TT: OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.10–1.63), dominant model (GG + GT VS TT: OR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.02–1.30) and homozygote model (GG VS TT: OR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.21–1.69). In addition, rs266729 polymorphism showed increased risk for hypertension in the recessive model (GG VS GC + CC: OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.02–2.01). In the Caucasian subgroup, rs1501299 polymorphism showed decreased risk of hypertension in the allelic model (T VS G: OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.58–0.97), dominant model (TT + TG VS GG: OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.71–0.98) and heterozygote model (TG VS GG: OR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.68–0.99). The rs2241766 polymorphism was associated with a significant increase in hypertension risk based on our analysis. Moreover, an increased risk of rs266729 in hypertension patients was also detected. Our meta-analysis suggests that the rs1501299 polymorphism may play a protective role in hypertension in Caucasian subgroup; however, this finding requires further study.

Examining Stress and Corresponding Health Indicators on Safety for Commercial Drivers in Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Chronic stress can contribute to poor health (including cardiovascular health), and vice versa. Both can impact job performance, which in the case of CMVDs impacts public safety. Objective: This study examines causal and correlative relationships between self-reported stress level, cardiovascular health, and safety for commercial motor vehicle drivers (CMVDs) in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 509 CMVDs in Abuja, Nigeria. Various lifestyle habits, working conditions and demographic factors were considered. Treatment rates among hypertensives were also measured. Multivariate models (logistic multivariate regression) and univariate relative risks were computed. Results: Higher self-reported stress was associated with tobacco use, high alcohol consumption, and lower weight. Prevalence of mid- to high-stress was 28% (140/509). Increased hypertension risk was associated with elevated pulse rate, higher pulse rate, higher alcohol consumption (for CMVDs over 40) and higher weight (for drivers under 40). Overall prevalence of hypertension was 39% (198/507), with 26% (63/246) for drivers under 40 and 47% (124/261) for drivers over 40. Screening tests for hypertension are common (234/260 or 90% for drivers over 40), but less than half (46%, or 74/158) of previously-tested hypertensive drivers had tested positive. Out of all drivers who had previously tested positive, 65% (68/104) were receiving treatment. No significant factor correlations with accident frequency were discovered.

Association between alpha-adducin gene rs4963 polymorphism and hypertension risk in Asian population: a meta-analysis

Some studies investigated the association between ADD1 rs4963 polymorphism and hypertension risk. However, the results remained inconclusive. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis. Published reports were searched in PubMed and Google Scholar. The strength of association was assessed by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Twelve studies with 5097 cases and 5937 controls were conducted in this study. Individuals with ADD1 rs4963 polymorphism showed an increased hypertension risk (OR = 1.21; 95%CI, 1.11-1.33; P &lt; 0.0001). Subgroup analyses were performed according to country and age. The results showed that Chinese with ADD1 rs4963 polymorphism showed an increased hypertension risk (OR = 1.28; 95%CI, 1.09-1.51; P = 0.003). However, subjects in Japan and India did not have increased hypertension risk. In the subgroup analysis by age, older subjects, but not younger subjects, with ADD1 rs4963 polymorphism showed an increased hypertension risk (OR = 1.19; 95%CI, 1.07-1.32; P = 0.001). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that ADD1 rs4963 polymorphism might be associated with increased hypertension risk.

A promoter polymorphism in APJ gene is significantly associated with blood pressure changes and hypertension risk in Chinese women.

The aim of this study was to interrogate the gender-specific association of 5 well-defined polymorphisms in apelin/APJ system with both blood pressure changes and hypertension risk in a northeastern Chinese population. This is a population-based case-control study, including 650 hypertensive patients and 645 normotensive controls. Data were analyzed by STATA and Haplo.Stats. The genotype distributions of 5 study polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both genders. The rs7119375 and rs10501367 were completely linked. The genotypes (P = 0.001) and alleles (P < 0.001) of rs7119375 differed significantly between patients and controls in women. Carriers of rs7119375-AA genotype had significant higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) than carriers of rs7119375-GG genotype in both patients and controls of female gender (P < 0.01). Moreover, carriers of rs7119375-A allele were 1.80 times more likely to develop hypertension relative to carriers of rs7119375-GG genotype after adjusting for age, body mass index and glucose (odds ratio: 1.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–3.16; P = 0.040). Further allele combination analysis supported the leading contribution of rs7119375 to hypertension risk. Our findings demonstrated that the mutation of promoter polymorphism rs7119375 in APJ gene was significantly associated with elevated SBP and increased hypertension risk in Chinese women.

Rare earth elements and hypertension risk among housewives: A pilot study in Shanxi Province, China

Studies have shown that residents living near rare earth mining areas have high concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in their hair. However, the adverse effects of REEs on human health have rarely been the focus of epidemiological studies. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between REEs in hair and the risk of hypertension in housewives. We recruited 398 housewives in Shanxi Province, China, consisting of 163 women with hypertension (cases) and 235 healthy women without hypertension (controls). We analyzed 15 REEs (lanthanum (La), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), lutetium (Lu), Yttrium (Y), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), and neodymium (Nd)) and calcium (Ca) accumulated in housewives hair over a period of two years. The results revealed that, with the exception of Eu, concentrations of the REEs in hair were higher in the cases than in the controls. The univariate odds ratios (ORs) of the 14 REEs were >1, and four of the REEs (Dy, Tm, Yb, and Y) also had adjusted ORs > 1. The increasing dose-response trends of the four REEs further indicated the potential for increased hypertension risk. Moreover, the REEs were negatively correlated with Ca content in hair. These results might suggest an antagonistic effect of REEs on Ca in the human body. It was concluded that high intake of REEs might increase the risk of hypertension among housewives.

YKL‐40 Level and Hypertension Incidence: A Population‐Based Nested Case‐Control Study in China

BackgroundHuman cartilage glycoprotein‐39 (YKL‐40) has been suggested to be a new marker of inflammation, atherosclerosis, and endothelial dysfunction. However, whether a higher level of YKL‐40 is an independent risk factor for hypertension incidence is still unknown.Methods and ResultsIn a nested case‐control study within a prospective cohort of 12 423 initially healthy Chinese adults, we measured baseline plasma concentrations of YKL‐40 among 700 new‐onset hypertension cases and 700 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Multiple conditional logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (95% CIs) of hypertension associated with higher levels of YKL‐40 both in the total population and in the age‐ (>55 and ≤55 years) and sex‐matched subgroups. Among the total population, YKL‐40 levels were not associated with hypertension risk. In the subgroup older than 55 years, odds ratios (95% CIs) of hypertension for those in the two higher tertiles of YKL‐40 were 1.23 (0.77–1.97) and 1.59 (0.99–2.55) (P for linear trend=0.05). In the male subgroup, odds ratios (95% CIs) of hypertension for those in the two higher tertiles of YKL‐40 were 1.55 (0.88–2.72) and 2.09 (1.14–3.82) (P for linear trend=0.02). An interaction effect was observed between YKL‐40 and sex (P for interaction <0.01) but not between YKL‐40 and age (P for interaction=0.21). High YKL‐40 level significantly increased hypertension risk in men but decreased hypertension risk with a trend although not significant in women.ConclusionsThis study suggests that YKL‐40 is associated with hypertension incidence only among men. The study findings need to be further verified by prospective cohort studies or clinical trials.

The Hypertension Risk Variant Rs820430 Functions as an Enhancer of SLC4A7.

The large-scale meta-analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) recently identified a genomic locus where the genetic variant at rs820430 was strongly associated with hypertension in Chinese Han population, with its T allele conferred increased risks. However, the biological and disease-relevant mechanisms for this association remain elusive. A group of 275 participants from rural district of Shandong Province were enrolled, rs820430 was genotyped using genomic DNA with the fluorogenic 5'-nuclease TaqMan allelic discrimination assay system (Applied Biosystems, CA). In vitro experiments were performed in this study, such as luciferase reporter assays, gel mobility shift assays (electrophoretic mobility shift assay), and chromatin immunoprecipitation. We found the risk T allele of rs820430 was associated with higher SLC4A7 mRNA level in cohort population. Furthermore, we characterized a cis-regulatory mechanism that the T allele of rs820430 distinctively increased c-Fos transcription factor binding, by which leading to increased SLC4A7 expression. The present study indicated that the disease-associated T allele of a new hypertension risk variant rs820430 linked increased hypertension risk through higher SLC4A7 expression, and rs820430 functioned as an enhancer of SLC4A7 transcription by allele distinctively increased c-Fos transcription factor binding.

Depression, anxiety and risk of hypertension in mid-aged women: a prospective longitudinal study.

The evidence for an association between depression and anxiety and increased hypertension risk is inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the association between each of depression and anxiety and incident hypertension. We included women born between 1946 and 1951 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, surveyed triennially from 1998 to 2013, without a history of hypertension at baseline. We defined depression using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale shortened version 10 and anxiety using self-reported doctor-diagnosis. We related depression and anxiety to incident hypertension, using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for time-varying covariates. Among 9182 women, 2738 developed hypertension during 15-year follow-up. Depression was associated with a 30% increased odds of hypertension [age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-1.43]. This attenuated and was no longer significant in fully adjusted analyses (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.96-1.20). Adjusting for BMI alone reduced the association markedly (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.31). Anxiety was similarly associated with increased odds of hypertension, but this association became nonsignificant after adjusting for depression (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.97-1.30). The frequently observed association between depression and hypertension may be explained by confounding, whereas comorbid depression may account for the apparent effect of anxiety on hypertension risk. However, further research is needed to determine whether factors such as BMI play a mediating role on a causal pathway between depression and hypertension. Nevertheless, weight and weight gain among women with depression should be closely monitored to reduce potential effects on hypertension risk.

E1. Risk of chronic hypertension in women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy – a nationwide cohort study

Background: Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are known to have an increased risk of hypertension years after their pregnancy. However, how soon after an affected pregnancy the risk of hypertension increases and how/whether this risk evolves over time, is unclear.Method: Using national health register data, we identified all women giving birth in Denmark from 1978 to 2011. Cox regression analysis was used to compare the rates of incident post-pregnancy hypertension requiring treatment with medication after pregnancy in women with and without a history of HDP, by the number of years since pregnancy.Findings: In the first 3 years after a woman’s latest pregnancy, rates of chronic hypertension were 4- to 9-fold higher in women with an HDP in that pregnancy than in women with a normotensive pregnancy. The difference in rates between the two groups declined progressively with time, but even after ≥20 years, rates of chronic hypertension were twice as high among women with an HDP in their latest pregnancy. Gestational hypertension was associated with significantly higher rates of later hypertension than preeclampsia, while moderate and severe preeclampsia were associated with similar increases in risk of later hypertension. Women with HDP-affected pregnancies in their 20s, 30s and 40s, respectively had 10-year cumulative incidences of chronic hypertension between 10% and 30%, whereas for women with normotensive pregnancies in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the corresponding cumulative incidences fell between 4% and 12% (for all three age groups, the cumulative incidences for the HDP and non-HDP groups were statistically significantly different).Interpretation: The increased risk of chronic hypertension associated with a previous HDP is already present soon after delivery, and is substantial in all age groups. Women with an HDP affected pregnancy in their 20s had the same post-pregnancy 10-year cumulative risk of chronic hypertension as women with normotensive pregnancies who were 20 years older. These findings suggest that blood pressure monitoring in women with a history of HDP should be initiated soon after the affected pregnancy.

Hypertension Among HIV-infected Patients in Clinical Care, 1996-2013.

Persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at higher risk for major cardiovascular disease (CVD) events than uninfected persons. Understanding the epidemiology of major traditional CVD risk determinants, particularly hypertension, in this population is needed. The study population included HIV-infected patients participating in the UNC CFAR HIV Clinical Cohort from 1996 to 2013. Annual incidence rates of hypertension were calculated. Multivariable Poisson models were fit to identify factors associated with incident hypertension. 3141 patients contributed 21 956 person-years (PY) of follow-up. Overall, 57% patients were black, 28% were women, and the median age was 35 years. Hypertension age-standardized incidence rates increased from 1.68 cases per 100 PYs in 1996 to 5.35 cases per 100 PYs in 2013 (P < .001). In adjusted analyses, hypertension rates were higher among obese patients (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-2.02), and those with diabetes mellitus (IRR 1.44, 95% CI, 1.14-1.83) and renal insufficiency (IRR 1.36, 95% CI, 1.16-1.61), but lower among patients with a CD4 nadir of ≥500 cells/mm(3) (IRR 0.73, 95% CI, .53-1.01). The incidence of hypertension increased from 1996 to 2013, alongside increases in traditional hypertension risk determinants. Notably, HIV-related immunosuppression and ongoing viral replication may contribute to an increased hypertension risk. Aggressive CVD risk factor management, early HIV diagnosis, linkage to care, antiretroviral therapy initiation, and durable viral suppression, will be important components of a comprehensive primary CVD prevention strategy in HIV-infected persons.

Preterm Birth and Hypertension: Is There a Link?

Factors in perinatal life have recently been recognized as determinants of later life health and diseases, especially hypertension. The detection of higher values of blood pressure in preterm-born individuals reaching adulthood has turned the attention to preterm birth-related complications and deleterious conditions as factors triggering early cardiovascular alterations, which may increase hypertension risk and associated complications in this population. Further, preterm birth is frequently associated with pregnancy complications such as lower placental perfusion, increased blood pressure in the mother and preeclampsia, often resulting in intrauterine growth restriction. These conditions further impact the risk of hypertension in the offspring whether through inherited genetic factors or perpetuated pathophysiology leading to preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and chronic hypertension. In this review, we will highlight evidence of developmental cardiovascular alterations and potential mechanisms linking preterm birth to the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases into adulthood.

Psychological Distress and Hypertension: Results from the National Health Interview Survey for 2004-2013

Background/Aims: Psychological conditions are increasingly linked with cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to examine the association between psychological distress and hypertension. Methods: We used data from the National Health Interview Survey for 2004-2013. Hypertension was self-reported and the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess psychological distress (a score ≥13 indicated distress). We used a logistic regression model to test the assumption that hypertension was associated with psychological distress. Results: Among the study participants completing the survey (n = 288,784), 51% were female; the overall mean age (±SEM) was 35.3 ± 0.02 years and the mean body mass index was 27.5 ± 0.01. In the entire sample, the prevalence of psychological distress was 3.2%. The adjusted odds of reporting hypertension in psychologically distressed individuals was 1.53 (95% CI = 1.31-1.80, p = 0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest that psychological distress is associated with higher odds of hypertension after adjusting for other risk factors for high blood pressure. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms by which stress increases hypertension risk.

Risks of hypertension associated with cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and systemic glucocorticoids in patients with psoriasis: a nationwide population-based nested case-control study in Taiwan.

Patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are known to have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hypertension, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis and/or PsA. The effects of anti-psoriatic medications - including cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and glucocorticoids - on hypertension remain unclear. We examined whether such medication exposure was associated with hypertension in psoriasis patients. This population-based, nested case-control study analyzed data from an inception psoriasis cohort identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, 2000-2010. A total of 1530 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension and 4542 age- and gender-matched controls were included in the analysis. Conditional logistic regressions were applied to estimate the effects of drug of interest on hypertension. After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with current use of cyclosporine [odds ratio (OR) = 7.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.85-27.49], nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.95-2.49), or systemic glucocorticoids (OR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.23-1.64) showed an increased risk of hypertension as compared to those not exposed to these drugs. Moreover, an increasing dose or combined use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids was associated with increased hypertension risk. The risk of hypertension associated with glucocorticoids, or combined use was greatest among patients aged 49 years or less. The use of cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or glucocorticoid was associated with hypertension in patients with psoriasis and/or PsA. These study results inform physicians on the importance of early identification of hypertension during therapy with such medication.

Long-term intake of animal flesh and risk of developing hypertension in three prospective cohort studies.

Prospective data are scarce on the relation of red meat, seafood, and poultry consumption with hypertension risk. Although red and processed meats are generally considered to have adverse cardiovascular consequences, seafood is believed to be protective and poultry's effect is controversial. We prospectively examined the independent association of long-term intake of animal flesh with incident hypertension in three longitudinal cohort studies of nonhypertensive individuals: Nurses' Health Study (NHS, n = 62 273 women), Nurses' Health Study II (NHS II, n = 88 831 women), and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS, n = 37 414 men). We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to study the associations of different types of animal flesh with the risk of developing hypertension while controlling for other hypertension risk factors. We then used fixed-effects meta-analysis to derive pooled estimates of effect. Compared with participants whose consumption was less than 1 serving/month, the pooled hazard ratios among those whose intake was at least 1 serving/day were 1.30 (95% confidence interval 1.23-1.39) for total meat (a combination of processed and unprocessed red meat), 1.22 (1.12-1.34) for poultry, and 1.05 (0.98-1.13) for seafood. Seafood was associated with an increased risk of hypertension in HPFS and NHS II, but not NHS. Consumption of any animal flesh at least 1 serving/day was associated with an increased hypertension risk [pooled hazard ratio = 1.30 (1.16-1.47)]. Long-term intake of meat and poultry were associated with increased risk of hypertension. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found a weak but significant trend toward an increased risk of hypertension with increasing seafood consumption.

High salt exacerbates programmed hypertension in maternal fructose-fed male offspring

Background and aimsConsumption of food and drinks containing high fructose (HF), which is associated with hypertension, is increasing steeply. Moreover, increased salt intake significantly increases hypertension risk. We examined whether maternal HF and postnatal high salt (HS) intake had synergistic effects on blood pressure (BP) elevation in adult offspring and determined the underlying mechanisms. Methods and resultsPregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received regular chow or chow supplemented with 60% fructose during the entire pregnancy and lactation periods. Half of the male offspring received 1% NaCl in drinking water from weaning to 3 months of age. Male offspring were assigned to 4 groups (control, HF, HS, and HF + HS) and were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. Offspring in HF and HS groups developed hypertension, indicating that HF and HS synergistically increased BP. Postnatal HS intake increased Ace expression and decreased Agtr1b and Mas1 expression in the kidneys. Renal mRNA levels of Ace and Agtr1a were significantly higher in HF + HS group than in control group. Renal levels of Na–K–2Cl cotransporter, type 3 sodium hydrogen exchanger, and Na+/Cl− cotransporter were higher in HS and HF + HS groups than in control group. ConclusionPostnatal HS intake exacerbated prenatal HF-induced programmed hypertension. HF and HS induced programmed hypertension by differentially inducing renin-angiotensin system and sodium transporters in the kidneys. Better understanding of the effect of the relationship between HF and HS on hypertension development will help prevent hypertension in mothers and children exposed to HF and HS.

Association between polymorphisms of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor gene and the risk of essential hypertension: a case-control study

To assess the association between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms and the risk of hypertension in autoimmune mechanism. We conducted a case-control study including 205 hypertensives and 205 controls matched with sex and age, from a community-based population. KIR genes of all subjects were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). Conditional logistic regression model and generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method were used to estimate the association among KIR gene polymorphisms and the risk of hypertension. The genotypic frequencies of KIRs were not significantly different between the hypertensives and the control groups (P > 0.05). Among all the models of GMDR concerning the association between interactions of KIR genes and essential hypertension, the testing accuracy of the interaction between KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS3 was the highest (55.13%), with cross-validation consistency as 10/10 (P = 0.054). Results from the conditional logistic regression showed that individuals with KIR2DS2+: KIR2DS3- were significantly associated with an increased risk on hypertension (OR = 2.555, 95% CI: 1.203-5.429, P = 0.015). However, individuals with KIR2DS2+: KIR2DS3+ were significantly associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (OR = 0.268, 95% CI: 0.088-0.815, P = 0.020). Individuals with KIR2DS2- KIR2DS3+ did not seem to be associated with the risk of hypertension (OR = 1.602, 95% CI: 0.785-3.266, P = 0.195), when compared to the KIR2DS2- KIR2DS3- group. Interactions between KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS3 were significantly associated with the risk of hypertension, after adjusted for BMI, smoking, drinking and family history of hypertension (OR = 0.065, 95% CI: 0.013-0.317, P = 0.001). Individuals with KIR2DS2 and no KIR2DS3 were associated with the increased risk of hypertension. KIR2DS2 that coexisted with KIR2DS3 were associated with the reduced risk of hypertension. Antagonism between KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS3 might serve as a protect factor for hypertension.

Association of AT1R polymorphism with hypertension risk: An update meta-analysis based on 28,952 subjects.

Previous studies have shown that angiotensin II AT1 receptor gene (AT1R) polymorphisms are associated with the risk for hypertension. However, the results remain controversial. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically summarize the association between AT1R genetic polymorphisms and the risk for hypertension. We searched the literature in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases (CNKI) to find case-control studies on the associations of AT1R genetic polymorphisms with the risk for hypertension. The meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.0 software. The association of hypertension risk with AT1R genetic polymorphism was estimated by pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Fifty-six studies involving 28,952 subjects were included in the present meta-analysis. Our results suggest that the polymorphism (A1166C) of AT1R gene is associated with a statistically increased hypertension risk, not only in Asian populations but also in Caucasian populations. We did not find any association in African populations. This meta-analysis suggests that A1166C polymorphism in the AT1R gene is associated with the risk of hypertension in Asian and Caucasian populations.