Gene linked to high blood pressure identified

BEIJING, Dec.30

(Chinese medianet)-- American researchers

have identified a gene variant, which affects the way the

kidneys process salt,thus in turn affects blood pressure,according to media reports

Tuesday quotingtheProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

University of Maryland School

of Medicine researchersidentified therole in high blood pressure susceptibility by analyzing the

genes of 542 people in the insular Old Order Amish community in

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The group is ideal for such studies because its members

are relatively isolated and share a similar rural lifestyle and diet.

They found a strong association between a particular

version of the gene STK39 and an increased risk of hypertension.

People with a common variant of the gene STK39 tend to

have higher blood pressure levels and are more likely to develop full-blown high

blood pressure, also called hypertension, researchers found.

The gene produces a protein involved in regulating the way

the kidneys process salt in the body -- a key factor in determining blood

pressure.

People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop

heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and kidney disease.

Yen-Pei Christy Chang, the

lead researcher,said the findings could lead to the development of new high blood

pressure drugs targeting the activity of STK39.

However, noting there areso many

other factors influencing blood pressure,Chang added,"The STK39 gene is only one important piece

of the puzzle. We want to determine how people with different variations of

this gene respond to medications, or to lifestyle changes, such as reducing the

amount of salt in their diet."

(Agencies)