Title:Genomics and Pharmacogenomics of Salt-sensitive Hypertension
VOLUME: 11 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Ines Armando, Van Anthony M. Villar and Pedro A. Jose
Affiliation:Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Keywords:Hypertension, kidney, pharmacogenomics, salt sensitivity.
Abstract:Salt sensitivity is estimated to be present in 51% of the hypertensive and 26% of the normotensive populations.
The individual blood pressure response to salt is heterogeneous and possibly related to inherited susceptibility. Although
the mechanisms underlying salt sensitivity are complex and not well understood, genetics can help to determine the blood
response to salt intake. So far only a few genes have been found to be associated with salt-sensitive hypertension using
candidate gene association studies. The kidney is critical to overall fluid and electrolyte balance and long-term regulation of
blood pressure. Thus, the pathogenesis of salt sensitivity must involve a derangement in renal NaCl handling: an inability
to decrease renal sodium transport and increase sodium excretion in the face of an increase in NaCl load that could be
caused by aberrant counter-regulatory natriuretic/antinatriuretic pathways. We review here the literature regarding the
gene variants associated with salt-sensitive hypertension and how the presence of these gene variants influences the
response to antihypertensive therapy.
