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Hypertension and circulating mRNA for 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II
S Agalou1, A N Butt, Phil Chowienczyk
1Department of Chemical Pathology, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 8, 2008
Summary
Messenger RNA for 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type II was lower in patients with hypertension compared to healthy individuals. This finding suggests mRNA levels may help identify salt-sensitive hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is a complex condition with various contributing factors.
- 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type II plays a role in regulating mineralocorticoid activity.
- Circulating DNA and mRNA levels may serve as biomarkers for disease states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in circulating DNA and mRNA for 11beta-HSD type II between hypertensive patients and healthy subjects.
- To explore the potential of 11beta-HSD type II mRNA as a biomarker for salt sensitivity in hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of circulating DNA and mRNA for 11beta-HSD type II using real-time RT-PCR.
- Comparison of biomarker levels in patients with hypertension versus healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower levels of 11beta-HSD type II mRNA were observed in hypertensive patients compared to healthy subjects (median: 0.18 vs. 0.42, P=0.032).
- Plasma DNA levels were also significantly lower in hypertensive patients (P=0.016).
Conclusions:
- Circulating 11beta-HSD type II mRNA levels are reduced in hypertension.
- Measurement of 11beta-HSD type II mRNA may aid in identifying salt-sensitive individuals within hypertensive populations.
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