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Document Details : Title: The genetic basis of essential hypertension Author(s): PUDDU, P. , PUDDU, G.M. , CRAVERO, E. , FERRARI, E. , MUSCARI, A. Journal: Acta Cardiologica Volume: 62 Issue: 3 Date: June 2007 Pages: 277-289 DOI: 10.2143/AC.62.3.2020818 Abstract : During the last few years the studies on the genetic basis of essential hypertension (EH) have been numerous, allowing however only a partial understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. The most used techniques were the candidate gene approach, genome-wide scanning, the intermediate phenotype approach and comparative-genomics in animal models. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may play a prominent role in the genesis of hypertension, and polymorphisms of the genes coding for angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin II type 1 and 2 receptors, and aldosterone synthase have been widely studied. Other mechanisms may involve the KLK 1 gene of tissue kallikrein, gene variants of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and polymorphisms of the endothelin-1 gene. Finally, a number of studies have highlighted the potential contribution of polymorphisms of genes coding for inflammatory cytokines, adrenergic receptors and intracellular G proteins, which can activate Na+/K+ exchangers. Further important information might derive from proteomic analysis and the study of mitochondrial genome. Overall, results have often been discordant, sometimes suggesting a different expression of the same gene variants in different populations. EH is a highly polygenic condition, caused by the combination of small changes in the expression of many genes, in conjunction with a variable collection of environmental factors. |
