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CXCL5 polymorphisms are associated with variable blood pressure in cardiovascular disease-free adults

Amber L Beitelshees1, Christina L Aquilante, Hooman Allayee

  • 1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. abeitels@medicine.umaryland.edu

Human Genomics
|December 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the CXCL5 gene are linked to higher blood pressure in adults without cardiovascular disease. These CXCL5 gene polymorphisms are functional and may play a role in hypertension susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Leukocyte count is associated with blood pressure and hypertension.
  • The CXCL5 gene encodes ENA-78, a chemokine involved in neutrophil activity.
  • Previous research suggests a link between inflammatory markers and blood pressure regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CXCL5 gene polymorphisms and blood pressure in adults without cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • To determine if identified CXCL5 polymorphisms are functional.
  • To explore the potential role of CXCL5 in hypertension and CVD susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of two CXCL5 polymorphisms (-156 G>C and 398 G>A) in 192 community-dwelling adults without CVD.
  • Measurement of allele-specific mRNA expression in leukocytes to assess allelic expression imbalance.
  • Statistical analysis to correlate polymorphisms with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Carriers of the -156 C variant in the CXCL5 gene exhibited significantly higher SBP (7 mmHg increase) and DBP (4 mmHg increase) compared to wild-type homozygotes.
  • The -156 G>C polymorphism was independently associated with SBP and DBP in multivariate analysis.
  • Allelic expression imbalance and elevated circulating ENA-78 levels were observed in variant carriers, indicating functional effects.

Conclusions:

  • CXCL5 gene polymorphisms are functional and significantly associated with variations in blood pressure in individuals free of CVD.
  • CXCL5 warrants further investigation as a potential susceptibility gene for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Abstract

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