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An association of serum ALT with elevated blood pressure in senior adults: a case-control study
Xiuqin Hong1, Nualnong Wongtongkam2, Paul Russell Ward3
1a School of Public Health , Central South University , Changsha , China.
Insights
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a potent serum marker for high blood pressure risk in China. High ALT levels significantly predict hypertension, while homocysteine may offer a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Biomarker Discovery
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in China.
- Identifying cost-effective serum markers can reduce morbidity rates associated with hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate potential serum markers for predicting high blood pressure risk.
- To assess the association between alanine aminotransferase (ALT), homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hypertension in a Chinese population.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study involving 416 hypertensive cases and 416 matched controls from Hunan province.
- Assessment of traditional markers (BMI, cholesterol, glucose, creatinine) and serum markers (ALT, HCY, CRP).
- Binary logistic regression analysis to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Main Results:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was identified as a significant predictor of high blood pressure (OR = 2.94, 95% CI [1.44-6.02]).
- No significant association was found between homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hypertension.
- Elevated HCY levels appeared to have a protective effect against elevated blood pressure.
- Hypertensive females exhibited a nearly fivefold higher odds ratio compared to hypertensive males (OR = 4.34, 95% CI [1.17-16.04]).
Conclusions:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a promising serum marker for identifying individuals at high risk of hypertension.
- Further research may explore the protective role of homocysteine in blood pressure regulation.
- Sex-specific differences in hypertension risk warrant further investigation.
Abstract:
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in China; hence, identifying good serum markers might provide cost benefits in terms of reducing morbidity rates. In this population-based case-control study, participants were recruited from five districts in Hunan province, and 416 cases were matched with an equal number of controls. Markers related to elevated blood pressure were assessed: Body Mass Index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and creatinine. Three potential serum markers homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were dichotomized as normal or high level. Binary logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The findings showed that ALT is a powerful serum marker for predicting high risk of high blood pressure with OR = 2.94, 95% CI (1.44-6.02), while there were no significant differences between cases and controls for HCY and CRP. Additionally, it seems likely that high concentrations of HCY conferred a protective effect against elevated blood pressure. When adjusted for sex, ORs for hypertensive females were nearly five times higher than for hypertensive males (OR = 4.34, 95% CI = 1.17-16.04). The study strongly supports findings showing ALT is a potential indicator for patients with hypertension.
