 |
|
Comprehensive genetic study paves way for new blood-pressure medicines
May 11, 2009Eight previously unknown genes that affect blood pressure were recently identified in a comprehensive international study comprising 34,433 Europeans. The findings of the study, in which Uppsala University researchers participated, are being presented today in the Web edition of Nature Genetics.
High blood pressure is a major contributing cause of cardiovascular disorders. Previous studies have shown that it is extremely difficult to identify genes that affect blood pressure, partly because blood pressure is impacted by non-genetic factors, such as exercise and intake of salt in food, and partly because there are many genes that work together to affect blood pressure.
In the present study, a concerted effort was made by 93 research teams in 14 countries to find genes that affect blood-pressure levels in healthy individuals. To identify these genes, blood-pressure levels were monitored in those participating in the study, and DNA samples were gathered. The entire human genome was mapped systematically by analyzing the DNA samples with the help of hundreds of thousands of genetic markers, so-called SNP markers. Sweden was represented in the study by three research teams: Ann-Christine Syvänen's research group and the SNP technology platform at Uppsala University, a group from the Karolinska Institute, and a group from Lund University. The study included DNA samples from 2,000 Swedes.
The areas of the genome that were identified in the study contain several genes that probably play a role in regulating blood pressure. The CYP17A1 gene on chromosome 10q24, for instance, plays a key role in the biosynthesis of glucorticoid hormones, which influence the metabolism of salt. In another area on chromosome 1p36 there are genes for two peptides with natrium-expelling effects. A lesser-known gene in this area, CLCN6, codes for a chloride canal in the neurons, which was not previously associated with blood-pressure regulation, and in an area on chromosome 17q21 there is the phopholipase gene, PLCD3, which is important for signaling in smooth muscles.
Uppsala University
The areas of the genome that were identified in the study contain several genes that probably play a role in regulating blood pressure. The CYP17A1 gene on chromosome 10q24, for instance, plays a key role in the biosynthesis of glucorticoid hormones, which influence the metabolism of salt. In another area on chromosome 1p36 there are genes for two peptides with natrium-expelling effects. A lesser-known gene in this area, CLCN6, codes for a chloride canal in the neurons, which was not previously associated with blood-pressure regulation, and in an area on chromosome 17q21 there is the phopholipase gene, PLCD3, which is important for signaling in smooth muscles.
Uppsala University
Blood Pressure Current Events and Blood Pressure News RSSMultiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as "nature's antibiotic."
High Blood Pressure Easy to Miss in Children with Kidney Disease
Spot blood pressure readings in children with chronic kidney disease often fail to detect hypertension - even during doctor's office visits - increasing a child's risk for serious heart problems, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center and other institutions. A report of the findings appears online in the Journal of American Society of Nephrology.
Canadians finding it tough to shake the salt habit
Canadians know that too much salt isn't good for their diets, but half still continue to shake it on, according to a new study by University of Alberta researchers.
Night Beat, Overtime and a Disrupted Sleep Pattern Can Harm Officers' Health
A police officer who works the night shift, typically from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., already is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting a good "night's" sleep.
At-risk college students reduce HBP, anxiety, depression through Transcendental Meditation
The Transcendental Meditation technique may be an effective method to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and anger among at-risk college students, according to a new study to be published in the American Journal of Hypertension, December 2009.
Fat collections linked to decreased heart function
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that fat collection in different body locations, such as around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are associated with certain decreased heart functions.
Young athletes need dual screening tests for heart defects, study suggests
To best detect early signs of life-threatening heart defects in young athletes, screening programs should include both popular diagnostic tests, not just one of them, according to new research from heart experts at Johns Hopkins.
Heart and bone damage from low vitamin D tied to declines in sex hormones
Researchers at Johns Hopkins are reporting what is believed to be the first conclusive evidence in men that the long-term ill effects of vitamin D deficiency are amplified by lower levels of the key sex hormone estrogen, but not testosterone.
New study links vitamin D deficiency to cardiovascular disease and death
While mothers have known that feeding their kids milk builds strong bones, a new study by researchers at the Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City suggests that Vitamin D contributes to a strong and healthy heart as well - and that inadequate levels of the vitamin may significantly increase a person's risk of stroke, heart disease, and death, even among people who've never had heart disease.
Early end to key study on benefits of niacin, a B vitamin, in keeping arteries open was premature
Heart experts at Johns Hopkins are calling premature the early halt of a study by researchers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, with cholesterol-lowering statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing.
More Blood Pressure Current Events and Blood Pressure News Articles
 |
Omron HEM-780 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with ComFit Cuff by Omron 1-touch operation with up to 40% faster readings Extra-large digital display Features hypertension indicator, morning hypertension indicator & irregular heartbeat 2-person/200-total measurement memory with date & time stamp Features 8-week morning & 8-week evening averages per user ComFit (TM) cuff fits arms 9 - 17 in circumference Includes batteries, AC adapter & carrying case 5-year limited warranty |
 |
Omron HEM-712C Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with IntelliSense by Omron Blood Pressure Monitor with Auto Inflatable Cuff / New and improved - now stores 14 readings in memory / Monitor your health with ease! New and improved - now stores 14 readings in memory |
 |
Omron HEM-790IT Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with Advanced Omron Health Management Software by Omron AUTOMATIC BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR WITH ADVANCED OMRON HEALTH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE 1-TOUCH OPERATION EXTRA-LARGE DIGITAL DISPLAY FEATURES HYPERTENSION INDICATOR MORNING HYPERTENSION INDICATOR IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT & EXCESSIVE BODY MOTION 2-PERSON/200 TOTAL MEASUREMENT MEMORY WITH DATE & TIME STAMP TRUREAD MODE CALCULATES THE AVERAGE OF 3 MEASUREMENTS AT 1 MINUTE INTERVALS FEATURES 8-WEEK MORNING & 8-WEEK EVENING AVERAGES PER USER COMFIT CUFF ARMS 9" 17" IN CIRCUMFERENCE INCLUDES AC ADAPTER CARRYING CASE CD ROM USB CABLE & BATTERIES 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY |
 |
Omron HEM-650 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor with APS (Advanced Positioning Sensor) by Omron The Omron HEM Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor with with Advanced Positioning Sensor Technology is the newest wrist blood pressure monitor from Omron the leading brand of heart monitors recommended by more pharmacists and doctors |
 |
Omron HEM-711 DLX Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with Comfit Cuff by Omron The brand new HEM-711DLX Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor by Omron Healthcare is at the cutting edge of blood pressure technology and the perfect way to keep a watchful eye on your health. It features Intelli-sence Technology for accurate readings up to 2.5 times faster than competitive products, and with its quiet 1-Touch automatic operation, using a blood pressure monitor has never been easier. The extra large digital display allows you to comfortably see systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse, as well as the date and time. Advanced Diagnostics options include: a hypertension indicator (according to the AHA guidelines), irregular heartbeat detector, excessive body motion detector, advanced averaging and a 60 memory storage with date and time stamp. The Comfit cuff is pre-formed... |
 |
Omron HEM-432C Manual Inflation Blood Pressure Monitor by Omron Omron HEM 432C Digital Blood Pressure Monitor-Manual Inflation |
 |
Omron HEM-670IT Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor with APS (Advanced Positioning Sensor) and Advanced Omron Health Management Software by Omron Omron's HEM-670ITN not only features A.P.S. technology which confirms monitor is at heart level f |
 |
Panasonic EW3109W Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor (White) by Panasonic The Panasonic EW3109W Automatic Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is the first portable arm unit in the industry. The easy-fit cuff, designed for comfort and to assure correct and accurate use, rolls around the slim baton-style monitor for portability. The large "Easy Read" LCD display gives you digital readings on inflation with memory capabilities that can capture up to 90 readings with an averaging feature allowing you to save and track readings over time. Panasonic's Digital Filter Technology assures accurate measurement of blood pressure readings every time with sensors that isolate and detect only essential pulse oscillation, thereby eliminating noise factors which can cause unreliable measurements. The Flashing Warning System alerts you if your blood pressure reading is high or... |
 |
Wrist Style Blood Pressure Monitor by Get Organized Blood pressure monitor Simply slip over your wrist and press start. Oversized easy-to-read digital display shows your pulse and systolic/diastolic pressures.Memory recall, stores 60 previous readings with date and time. Comes with carrying case. Requires two AA batteries (not included). |
 |
ADC Diagnostix 700 Pocket Aneroid Sphygmomanometer, Adult, Black by ADC Diagnostix 700 premium pocket Aneroid Sphygmomanometer features a precision crafted chrome plated manometer that exceeds industry standards. Luminescent dial is easy to read in low light condition. ADCUFF inflation system helps prevent miscuffing. ADFLOW bulb and valve with filter screen protection. Zippered storage case included |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |