YKL-40 is a novel biomarker for predicting hypertension incidence among prehypertensive subjects: A population-based...

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Cardiovascular Health
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Previous studies indicated a positive association between Human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (YKL-40) and hypertension incidence in specific high-risk groups.
• The predictive value of YKL-40 for hypertension incidence in prehypertensive subjects remained to be elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether YKL-40 serves as an effective biomarker for predicting hypertension incidence among prehypertensive subjects.
• To assess the association between YKL-40 levels and the risk of developing hypertension in both prehypertensive and normotensive individuals.

Main Methods:

• A 1:1 matched case-control study nested within a prospective cohort of initially healthy Chinese subjects.
• Analysis included 700 pairs with available YKL-40 levels, with 294 pairs having matched baseline blood pressure status (prehypertensive or normotensive).
• Multivariable conditional logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hypertension associated with YKL-40 levels.

Main Results:

• In the prehypertensive subgroup, individuals in the highest quartile of plasma YKL-40 demonstrated a significantly higher risk of hypertension incidence (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.05-3.85).
• A statistically significant positive trend was observed between YKL-40 levels and hypertension incidence (P for trend < 0.05).
• This significant association was not detected in the normotensive subgroup.

Conclusions:

• Elevated baseline YKL-40 levels are positively associated with hypertension incidence in prehypertensive individuals.
• YKL-40 shows promise as a novel biomarker for predicting hypertension risk specifically within the prehypertension population.