Examining the Potential Effect of a Salt Sensitivity Biomarker in Korean American Immigrants: A Pilot Study

The genetic factors involved with salt sensitivity (SS) have been studied using a genetic approach to identify individuals at high risk for developing hypertension and could benefit from a low sodium diet intervention, but this has not been well-studied in Korean American immigrants (KAIs). The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the influence of SS that moderates blood pressure (BP) in KAIs (n = 34). KAIs were recruited from local communities and completed a blood draw, a 8-day food log, and BP testing. The dietary sodium intake was measured using the Fitbit mobile app, and an SS biomarker was assessed using targeted genotyping. out of five GNAI2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tested, rs4547694 significantly moderated the relationship of dietary sodium intake on BP in KAIs. Conclusions: Further studies are warranted to test the effect of a reduced sodium diet on BP while accounting for the moderating influence of an SS genotype.