Hypertension genes

More than 50 different genes are responsible for increased blood pressure
Medstream.ru based on the materials of Physorg News

Scientists from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered common genetic changes associated with blood pressure and hypertension, which may lead to new advances in the treatment of patients.

"It is striking that none of the genes that affect the overall pressure trend are part of the system that was previously identified as regulating pressure – the new genes are not associated with drugs created for the treatment of hypertension," says Aravinda Chakravarty, head of the Center for the Complex Genome of Diseases at the Mccusack-Nathan Institute. - "If we can find more genes responsible for pressure, increase their number from 12 to the estimated 50, then we will completely change the understanding of the biological mechanism."

To determine these genes, scientists analyzed data on 30 thousand Europeans, whose systolic blood pressure ranged from 118 mmHg to 143 mmHg, and diastolic – from 72 mmHg to 83 mmHg. Scientists were looking for genetic differences that correlated with high blood pressure, and they found 11 changes in the DNA sequence.

For example, a mutation of the ATP2B gene affects the development of hypertension. The gene creates a protein that takes calcium from the cells lining the vessels. Changes in the protein of the SH2B3 gene responsible for the immune response were also associated with increased blood pressure. The researchers also found changes in genes involved in the growth of heart cells.

Each of the detected genetic differences is very common in the world, but causes minor fluctuations in pressure. It is the combination of several genes that leads to the development of hypertension.

Thanks to a new study, scientists have received a lot of information to find ways to treat hypertension.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru13.05.2009