Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Association between human cytomegalovirus antibody levels, and essential hypertension and functional status in
Su Jin Jeong1, Sang Hoon Han1, Chang Oh Kim1
1Department of Internal Medicine, AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Insights
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antibody levels are linked to hypertension and reduced functional status in elderly Koreans. Higher HCMV immunoglobulin G titers correlate with increased blood pressure and poorer daily living activities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common virus with potential long-term health implications.
- Aging populations are susceptible to chronic conditions like hypertension and functional decline.
- The specific role of HCMV in elderly health, particularly in Koreans, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HCMV antibody status and the prevalence of hypertension.
- To explore the relationship between HCMV antibody levels and the functional status of elderly individuals.
- To identify potential links between HCMV infection and cardiovascular and functional health in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 103 elderly Korean patients (≥65 years).
- Measurement of CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts, and functional status (ADL, IADL).
- Analysis of HCMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay.
Main Results:
- HCMV IgG antibody titers were independently associated with hypertension in elderly patients (OR 1.023).
- HCMV antibody levels positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, CD8+ T-lymphocyte count, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores.
- HCMV IgG titers were inversely associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Conclusions:
- HCMV infection may play a significant role in the development of essential hypertension among the elderly.
- HCMV may contribute to decreased functional status and poorer kidney function in older adults.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering HCMV in the context of age-related health issues.
Aim:
To evaluate the relationship between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antibody status, and hypertension and functional status among elderly Koreans.
Methods:
Patients aged ≥65 years were prospectively enrolled from March 2011 to February 2012 at a 2000-bed university hospital. We collected data including CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte count, and functional status by measuring basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living for all patients. In addition, HCMV immunoglobulin G levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay.
Results:
During the study period, 103 patients (51 men), who were admitted for treatment of infections or other diseases, were enrolled. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index and HCMV immunoglobulin G antibody titers were independent factors associated with hypertension in elderly patients (OR 1.347, 95% CI 1.113-1.630, P = 0.002; OR 1.023, 95% CI 1.001-1.047, P = 0.042, respectively). In univariate linear correlations, HCMV antibody levels were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure levels (r = 0.303, P = 0.002), CD8+ T-lymphocyte count (r = 0.313, P = 0.001) and instrumental activities of daily living scores (r = 0.217, P = 0.028). In addition, HCMV immunoglobulin G titers were inversely associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.268, P = 0.006). These four variables remained independently significant in multivariate correlation analysis.
Conclusion:
These findings could provide insight into the important role of HCMV in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and decreased functional status in the elderly.
More Related Videos
05:57Author Spotlight: Exploring Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction as an Antihypertensive Drug
Published on: May 17, 2024
07:22Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes
Published on: March 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Hypertension I: Introduction
Cytomegalovirus Disease