Decreased Transient Receptor Potential Channel mRNA Expression in the Aortas of Patients with Hypertension

Arterial hypertension (HT) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, its underlying mechanisms, particularly in primary HT, remain largely unclear. This knowledge gap has hindered the development of effective treatment strategies. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which play a critical role in signal transduction, have been implicated in HT based on previous studies in cell culture and animal models. This study is the first study to analyze aortic tissue from patients with primary HT.

Ascending aortic tissue samples, reflecting central blood pressure (BP), were collected from patients with chronic HT (n = 59) and normotensive controls (n = 22) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Transient receptor potential channel mRNA expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the influence of demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, antihypertensive medications, and coexisting cardiometabolic conditions on gene expression.

Although no significant differences were observed in TRPC1 and TRPV3 mRNA expression between HT and control groups, TRPC6, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, and TRPM8 mRNA levels were significantly lower in patients with HT. TRPC6 expression showed a positive correlation with age, while TRPV1 expression demonstrated a negative correlation with diastolic BP.

These findings suggest that TRP channels could serve as potential therapeutic targets for HT and contribute to a better understanding of its pathogenesis.