Trends in cause-related comorbidities in hospitalized patients with secondary hypertension in China from 2013 to 2016: a retrospective analysis of hospital quality monitoring system data.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hypertension has emerged as a major public health problem in China. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the clinical outcomes. However, data on the current cause composition in China are seldom reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in cause-related comorbidities in hospitalized patients with secondary hypertension in China from 2013 to 2016. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis based on the national Hospital Quality Monitoring System (HQMS) database, which collects information from the front pages of in-hospital medical records. Hospitalized patients with secondary hypertension from 746 tertiary hospitals that consistently uploaded data to the HQMS from 2013 to 2016 were enrolled. All diagnoses were identified using International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10) diagnostic codes. Descriptive analyses were used to determine the proportions of secondary hypertension causes and changing trends over 4 years. RESULT: The study collected data on 402 371 hospitalized patients with secondary hypertension from the HQMS during 2013-2016. Secondary hypertension caused by renal parenchymal disease ranked first and accounted for more than 50%. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) followed closely with a rate of approximately 25%. Primary aldosteronism presented the highest proportion among all causes of endocrine hypertension. Regarding longitudinal changes over time, the rates of renal hypertension showed a significant downward trend from 2013 to 2016 (P < 0.001). In contrast, OSAS, endocrine hypertension, renal vascular disease, and aorta diseases maintained a significant upward trend from 2013 to 2016 (P < 0.001). The rates of these diseases in women with common secondary hypertension was higher than that of men, except in patients with OSAS (P < 0.001). In addition, renal parenchymal diseases and renal vascular diseases gradually decreased with age, whereas OSAS and aortic diseases gradually increased with age. The proportion of endocrine hypertension in the middle-aged group was higher than the other two age groups. CONCLUSION: The study provides important information on the changing trends of cause rate of secondary hypertension modified by age and sex in China during 2013-2016. Renal parenchymal disease is still the most common cause of secondary hypertension with a decreasing trend, followed by OSAS with an increasing trend.

PCSK9 Gene E670G Polymorphism and Coronary Artery Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 5,484 Subjects.

Objective: Research has shown a possible relationship between the E670G polymorphism of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene and an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there is no clear consensus on the subject because of conflicting results in the literature. The current meta-analysis was performed to better elucidate the potential relationship between the PCSK9 gene E670G polymorphism and CAD. Methods: There were 5,484 subjects from 13 individual studies who were included in the current meta-analysis. The fixed- or random-effects models were used to evaluate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The current meta-analysis found a significant association between PCSK9 gene E670G polymorphism and CAD under allelic (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.42-2.27, P = 1.00 × 10-6), dominant (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.61-2.89, P = 2.22 × 10-7), heterozygous (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.55-2.64, P = 2.47 × 10-7), and additive genetic models (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.49-2.49, P = 6.70 × 10-7). Conclusions: PCSK9 gene E670G polymorphism was associated with an elevated risk of CAD, especially in the Chinese population. More specifically, carriers of the G allele carriers of the PCSK9 gene may be predisposed to developing CAD.

No association between low-dose reserpine use and depression in older hypertensive patient: result of a multicenter, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Reserpine is currently used by millions of Chinese hypertensive patients, in spite of the continued concern of its depressogenic effect, even when used in low dose. This study aimed to investigate the association between low-dose reserpine use and depression in older Chinese hypertensive patient. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, case-control study, we recruited patient aged 60 years or over who had regularly taken one or two tables of "compound reserpine and triamterene tablets (CRTTs)" for more than one year (reserpine user) from 26 community health centers located in 10 provinces in China. For each patient who took CRTTs, we selected an age (within five years) and sex matched hypertensive patient who had never taken any drugs containing reserpine (non-reserpine user) as control. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using a Chinese depression scale adapted from the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Demographic, clinical data and laboratory examination results within six months were collected. RESULTS: From August 2018 to December 2018, 787 reserpine user and 787 non-reserpine user were recruited. The mean age of all study subjects was 70.3 years, with about equal numbers of males and females. The mean depression score was 40.4 in reserpine users and 40.6 in non-reserpine users (P = 0.7). The majority of study subject had a depression score < 53 (87.6% in reserpine users and 88.2% in non-reserpine users, respectively). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of mild, moderate or severe depression in reserpine users and non-reserpine users. CONCLUSIONS: There is no association between low-dose reserpine use and depression in older hypertensive patient. The role of reserpine in the treatment and control of hypertension should be reconsidered; and further studies, especially randomized, controlled clinical trials to compare efficacy and safety of reserpine and other widely recommended anti-hypertensive agents are needed.

GHRL Gene Leu72Met Polymorphism and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis Involving 8,194 Participants.

Background: Although many studies indicate a positive correlation between GHRL gene Leu72Met polymorphism and an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), inconsistencies between independent studies still remain. Objective: Considering the inconsistencies between them, we have performed the current meta-analysis study. The objective of this study is to better examine the correlation of the GHRL gene Leu72Met polymorphism and T2DM. Methods: The current meta-analysis, involving 8,194 participants from 11 independent studies, was performed. A fixed effect model was used to evaluate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: A significant association was found between T2DM and GHRL gene Leu72Met polymorphism under recessive (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01-1.76, P = 0.04), and homozygous genetic models (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01-1.78, P = 0.04) in the whole population. The correlation was more distinct in our subgroup analysis of the Chinese population under recessive (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.07-2.15, P = 0.02), dominant (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.38-2.10, P < 0.00001), additive (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02-1.33, P = 0.02), and homozygous genetic models (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.07-2.20, P = 0.02). Conclusions: In short, GHRL gene Leu72Met polymorphism was significantly correlated with increased T2DM risk, particularly in the Chinese population. Individuals carrying the Met72 allele of GHRL Leu72Met gene polymorphism, particularly those of Chinese ancestry, may be more susceptible to developing T2DM disease.

Solute Carrier Family 30 Member 8 Gene 807C/T Polymorphism and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis Including 6,942 Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Although solute carrier family 30 (zinc transporter) member 8 (SLC30A8) gene 807C/T polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, there remains some inconsistency between individual studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between SLC30A8 gene 807C/T polymorphism and T2DM in the Chinese population. METHODS: The current meta-analysis compiles and analyzes the data of 6,942 participants from 10 independent studies. Either a fixed or random-effects model was adopted to evaluate the pooled odds ratio (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: A significant association between SLC30A8 gene 807C/T polymorphism and T2DM was found in the Chinese population under allelic (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80-0.91, P = 7.42 × 10-7), recessive (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.38-0.72, P = 8.49 × 10-5), dominant (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.68-3.41, P = 1.30 × 10-6), homozygous (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.67, P = 2.90 × 10-7), heterozygous (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.88, P = 1.63 × 10-5), and additive genetic models (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.64-0.83, P = 7.05 × 10-7). CONCLUSION: SLC30A8 gene 807C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased T2DM risk in the Chinese population. Therefore, individuals of Chinese descent with the C allele of SLC30A8 gene 807C/T polymorphism may be more susceptible to developing T2DM, while individuals with the T allele may be protected against T2DM.

ADRB3 Gene Trp64Arg Polymorphism and Essential Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis Including 9,555 Subjects.

Background: Presence of the ß3-Adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) gene Trp64Arg (T64A) polymorphism may be associated with an increased susceptibility for essential hypertension (EH). A clear consensus, however, has yet to be reached. Objective and methods: To further elucidate the relationship between the ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism and EH, a meta-analysis of 9,555 subjects aggregated from 16 individual studies was performed. The combined odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated using either a random or fixed effect model. Results: We found a marginally significant association between ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism and EH in the whole population under the additive genetic model (OR: 1.200, 95% CI: 1.00-1.43, P = 0.049). Association within the Chinese subgroup, however, was significant under allelic (OR: 1.150, 95% CI: 1.002-1.320, P = 0.046), dominant (OR: 1.213, 95% CI: 1.005-1.464, P = 0.044), heterozygous (OR: 1.430, 95% CI:1.040-1.970, P = 0.03), and additive genetic models (OR: 1.280, 95% CI: 1.030-1.580, P = 0.02). A significant association was also found in the Caucasian subgroup under allelic (OR: 1.850, 95% CI: 1. 260-2.720, P = 0.002), dominant (OR: 2.004, 95% CI: 1.316-3.052, P = 0.001), heterozygous (OR: 2.220, 95% CI: 1.450-3.400, P = 0.0002), and additive genetic models (OR: 2.000, 95% CI: 1. 330-3.010, P = 0.0009). Conclusions: The presence of the ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism is positively associated with EH, especially in the Chinese and Caucasian population. The Arg allele carriers of ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism may be at an increased risk for developing EH.

Correlation between Serum Calcineurin Activity and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients and Its Clinical Significance.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between calcineurin (CaN) and hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy (HLVH) and to evaluate its potential clinical significance. DESIGN: The study involved 160 patients diagnosed with hypertension and 42 controls. Based on the exclusion criteria, 42 were not eligible for this study. The remaining 118 hypertensive patients were categorized into 2 subgroups based on left ventricular mass index and relative ventricular wall thickness: a normal model subgroup with hypertension (HNM) and an HLVH subgroup. Serum CaN levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while serum CaN activity was determined by malachite green colorimetric assay. RESULTS: Among the HNM and HLVH subgroups, a positive correlation was demonstrated between serum CaN activity, but not serum CaN level, and HLVH. Moreover, the HLVH subgroup displayed a remarkable increase in the levels of brain natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and left atrium diameter compared to the HNM subgroup and controls. CONCLUSION: There was a positive correlation between serum CaN activity and LVH in hypertensive patients. Activated CaN could play an important role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of HLVH. Serum CaN activity could be a clinically useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for LVH.

LncRNA260-specific siRNA targeting IL28RA gene inhibit cardiomyocytes hypoxic/reoxygenation injury.

BACKGROUND: The interleukin 28 receptor alpha (IL28RA) gene was indicated to be associated with apoptosis. However, it was not clear whether long non-coding RNA 260 (lncRNA 260)-specific siRNA targeting IL28RA gene could inhibit hypoxic reoxygenation (H/R) cardiomyocytes injury or not. To explore the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of lncRNA260-specific siRNA-mediated inhibition of IL28RA from H/R injury in cardiomyocytes, the current research was performed. METHODS: The primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were transfected with three different pairs of siRNA specific to lncRNA260 targeting IL28RA gene and then were undergone with the conditions simulating H/R injury. RESULTS: All three groups of cardiomyocytes treated with lncRNA260-specific siRNA experienced significantly decreased levels of lactate dehydrogenase activity and apoptosis rate relative to the non-treatment and negative control groups (P<0.05), also expressed reduced levels of IL28RA, and increased levels of PI3KCG and Bcl-2/Bax (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The lncRNA260-specific siRNA may reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis associated with H/R injury by decreasing levels of the IL28RA gene product and thus activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

AR C-106T gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy in the Eastern Asians with T2DM: A meta-analysis including 2120 subjects.

BACKGROUND: Aldose reductase (AR) gene C-106T polymorphism may be associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN) susceptibility, but the results of individual studies remain controversial. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To explore the relationship between AR gene C-106T gene polymorphism and DN in the Eastern Asians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population, we conducted a meta-analysis of 2120 participants from 5 studies. Pooled odds ratio (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were evaluated by either a fixed or random-effects models. RESULTS: AR C-106T gene polymorphism was significantly associated with DN in the Eastern Asians population with T2DM under allelic (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.30-2.52, P=0.0005), recessive (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.20-2.97, P=0.006), dominant (OR: 9.22, 95% CI: 2.73-31.12, P=0.0003), homozygous (OR:2.27, 95% CI: 1.43-3.61, P=0.0005), heterozygous (OR: 5.75, 95% CI: 1.96-16.81, P=0.001), and additive genetic models (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.48-3.48, P=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In the Eastern Asians with T2DM, the AR gene C-106T gene polymorphism is correlated with an increased risk of DN. The Eastern Asians with the T allele of AR gene C-106T gene polymorphism might be susceptible to DN.

PRISMA-combined Myeloperoxidase -463G/A gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of 4744 subjects.

BACKGROUND: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) -463G/A gene polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Studies on the subject, however, do not provide a clear consensus. This meta-analysis was performed to explore the relationship between MPO gene -463G/A polymorphism and CAD risk. METHODS: This meta-analysis combines data from 4744 subjects from 9 independent studies. By using fixed or random effect models, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed. RESULTS: Our analysis found a significant association between MPO gene -463G/A polymorphism and CAD in the whole population under all genetic models: allelic (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54-0.85, P = 0.0009), recessive (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.76, P = 0.005), dominant (OR: 0.682, 95% CI: 0.534-0.871, P = 0.002), homozygous (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.16-0.79, P = 0.01), heterozygous genetic model (OR: 0.832, 95% CI: 0.733-0.945, P = 0.004), and additive (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.90, P = 0.01), especially in the Chinese subgroup (P < 0.05). On the contrary, we found no such relationship in the non-Chinese subgroup (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The MPO gene -463G/A polymorphism is associated with CAD risk, especially within the Chinese population. The A allele of MPO gene -463G/A polymorphism might protect the people from suffering the CAD risk.

Lentiviral vector PLV-PI3KCG gene transfer inhibits hypoxic cardiomyocytes apoptosis.

The PI3K/Akt signal pathway was suggested to be associated with apoptosis. However, it was still unclear whether activated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway could inhibit hypoxic cardiomyocytes apoptosis. In this research, the recombinant PI3KCG lentiviral vector plasmid (PLV-PI3KCG) was constructed and transfected into neonatal rat hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury cardiomyocytes models which were randomly divided into five groups as the normal control group, H/R group, HR empty plasmid group (HRE group), HR PLV-PI3KCG transfection preconditioning group (HRP group), and HR PLV-PI3KCG transfection + LY294002 group (HRPL group). Compared with the H/R, HRE and HRPL groups, the cardiomyocytes beat frequency and survival rate in the HRP group were significantly increased (P<0.05) and the released LDH were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly lower in H/R, HRE and HRPL groups than that in HRP group (P<0.05). Activated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway could play a protection role in the cardiomyocytes H/R injury process which could be inhibited by LY294002.

Mink S38G gene polymorphism and atrial fibrillation in the Chinese population: a meta-analysis of 1871 participants.

Mink gene S38G polymorphism in the ß -subunit of slow activating component of the delayed rectifier potassium channel current potassium channel has been associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. However, the individual studies results were still controversial. To investigate the association of Mink S38G gene polymorphisms with AF, a meta-analysis including 1871 subjects from six individual studies was conducted. Mink S38G gene polymorphism was significantly related to AF under allelic (OR:1.380, 95% CI:1.200-1.600, P < 0.00001), recessive (OR:1.193, 95% CI:1.033-1.377, P = 0.017), dominant (OR:1.057, 95% CI:1.025-1.089, P < 0.00001), additive (OR:1.105, 95% CI:1.036-1.178, P = 0.002), homozygous (OR:1.128, 95% CI:1.068-1.191, P < 0.00001), and heterozygous genetic models (OR:1.078, 95% CI:1.014-1.146, P = 0.016). A significant association between Mink S38G gene polymorphism and AF risk was found. G allele carriers may predispose to AF.

TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism and type 1 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of 2248 cases.

Transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) I333V gene polymorphism has been suggested to be associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) susceptibility. However, the results from individual studies are inconsistent. To explore the association of TAP1 I333V gene polymorphisms with T1DM, a meta-analysis involving 2246 cases from 13 individual studies was conducted. The pooled odd ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were evaluated by a fixed-effect model. A significant relationship was observed between TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism and T1DM in allelic (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.68, P = 0.007), dominant (OR: 1.462, 95% CI: 1.094-1.955, P = 0.010), homozygous (OR: 1.725, 95% CI: 1.082-2.752, P = 0.022), heterozygous (OR: 1.430, 95% CI: 1.048-1.951, P = 0.024) and additive (OR: 1.348, 95% CI: 1.084-1.676, P = 0.007) genetic models. No significant association between TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism and T1DM was detected in a recessive genetic model (OR: 1.384, 95% CI: 0.743-2.579, P = 0.306) in the entire population, especially among Caucasians. No significant association between them was found in an Asian or African population. TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism was significantly associated with increased T1DM risk. V allele carriers might be predisposed to T1DM susceptibility.

KCNQ1 rs2237892 C→T gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Asian population: a meta-analysis of 15,736 patients.

The KCNQ1 rs2237892 C→T gene polymorphism is reportedly associated with T2DM susceptibility, but various studies show conflicting results. To explore this association in the Asian population, a meta-analysis of 15,736 patients from 10 individual studies was performed. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using random-effect or fixed-effect models. A significant relationship between the KCNQ1 rs2237892 C→T gene polymorphism and T2DM was observed in the Asian population under the allelic (OR, 1.350; 95% CI, 1.240-1.480; P < 0.00001), recessive (OR: 0.650; 95% CI: 0.570-0.730; P < 0.00001), dominant (OR: 1.450; 95% CI: 1.286-1.634; P < 0.00001), and additive (OR: 1.346; 95% CI: 1.275-1.422; P < 0.00001) genetic models. In the subgroup analysis by race, a significant association was found in Chinese, Korean and Malaysia population, but not in Indian population. KCNQ1 rs2237892 C→T gene polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with increased T2DM risk in the Asian population, except Indian population. The C allele of the KCNQ1 rs2237892 C→T gene polymorphism may confer susceptibility to T2DM.

CDKAL1 gene rs7756992 A/G polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of 62,567 subjects.

The Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit-associated protein 1-like (CDKAL1) gene rs7756992 A/G polymorphism has been suggested to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the individual studies results are still controversial. To explore the association of CDKAL1 gene rs7756992 A/G polymorphism with T2DM, a meta-analysis involving 62,567 subjects from 21 separate studies was conducted. In the whole population, a significant association was found between CDKAL1 gene rs7756992 A/G polymorphism and T2DM under allelic (OR: 1.180, 95% CI: 1.130-1.230, P = 1.60 × 10⁻¹4), recessive (OR: 1.510, 95% CI: 1.380-1.660, P = 8.41 × 10⁻¹8), dominant (OR: 1.175, 95% CI: 1.109-1.246, P = 6.30 × 10⁻8), homozygous (OR: 1.400, 95% CI: 1.282-1.530, P = 8.02 × 10⁻¹4), and heterozygous genetic models (OR: 1.101, 95% CI: 1.040-1.166, P = 0.001). CDKAL1 gene rs7756992 A/G polymorphism was significantly associated with T2DM. The person with G allele of CDKAL1 gene rs7756992 A/G polymorphism might be predisposed to T2DM.

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 R219K polymorphism and coronary artery disease in Chinese population: a meta-analysis of 5,388 participants.

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) R219K gene polymorphism has been suggested to lower the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, research results remain debatable. Meta-analysis involving 2,730 CAD patients and 2,658 controls was performed to investigate the relationship between ABCA1 R219K gene polymorphism and CAD in Chinese population. A total of 14 studies which were obtained from electronic databases were analyzed. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were estimated by a random effect model. A significant association between ABCA1 R219K gene polymorphism and CAD was found in the Chinese population under the following genetic models: an allelic genetic model (OR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.62-0.78, P < 0.00001), a recessive genetic model (OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.41-0.64, P < 0.00001), an additive genetic model (OR 0.816, 95 % CI 0780-0.855, P = 0), a dominant genetic model (OR 1.326, 95 % CI 1.232-1.427, P = 0), a homozygote genetic model (OR 0.640, 95 % CI 0.575-0.712, P = 0), and a heterozygote genetic model (OR 0.640, 95 % CI 0.575-0.712, P = 0). The K allele of the ABCA1 R219K gene has a protective role for CAD risk in Chinese population and is possibly associated with decreased CAD susceptibility.

Bradykinin ß2 receptor -58T/C gene polymorphism and essential hypertension: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that bradykinin ß(2) receptor (BDKRB2) -58T/C gene polymorphism is correlated with the risk of essential hypertension (EH), but the results remain inconclusive. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The objective of this study was to explore the association between BDKRB2-58T/C gene polymorphism and EH. A meta-analysis of 11 studies with 3882 subjects was conducted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for the association between BDKRB2-58T/C gene polymorphism and EH and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the random effects model. RESULTS: The BDKRB2-58T/C gene polymorphism was significantly correlated with EH under an allelic genetic model (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.05-1.46; P = 0.01), a dominant genetic model (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47-0.90; P = 0.01), a recessive genetic model (OR = 1.146, 95% CI = 1.035-1.269; P = 0.009), a homozygote genetic model (OR = 1.134, 95% CI = 1.048-1.228; P = 0.002), and a heterozygote genetic model (OR = 1.060, 95% CI = 1.009-1.112; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The BDKRB2-58T/C gene polymorphism is associated with increased EH risk. The results of this study suggest that carriers of the -58C allele are susceptible to EH.

Regulation of angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor by telmisartan and losartan in adriamycin-induced rat heart failure.

AIM: To investigate the possible effects of telmisartan and losartan on cardiac function in adriamycin (ADR)-induced heart failure in rats, and to explore the changes in plasma level of angiotensin-(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)] and myocardial expression of angiotensin II type 1/2 receptors (AT(1)R / AT(2)R) and Mas receptor caused by the two drugs. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, ADR-treated heart failure group (ADR-HF), telmisartan plus ADR-treated group (Tel+ADR) and losartan plus ADR-treated group (Los+ADR). ADR was administrated (2.5 mg/kg, ip, 6 times in 2 weeks). The rats in the Tel+ADR and Los+ADR groups were treated orally with telmisartan (10 mg/kg daily po) and losartan (30 mg/kg daily), respectively, for 6 weeks. The plasma level of Ang-(1-7) was determined using ELISA. The mRNA and protein expression of myocardial Mas receptor, AT(1)R and AT(2)R were measured using RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: ADR significantly reduced the plasma level of Ang-(1-7) and the expression of myocardial Mas receptor and myocardial AT(2)R, while significantly increased the expression of myocardial AT(1)R. Treatment with telmisartan and losartan effectively increased the plasma level of Ang-(1-7) and suppressed myocardial AT(1)R expression, but did not influence the expression of Mas receptor and AT(2)R. CONCLUSION: The protective effects of telmisartan and losartan in ADR-induced heart failure may be partially due to regulation of circulating Ang-(1-7) and myocardial AT(1)R expression.