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Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene promoter variant and increased susceptibility to early development of hypertension in humans

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 21, pages 822–824 (2007)Cite this article

Previous evidence supports a role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) as a candidate gene for hypertension. We characterized an ANP gene promoter variant, which has been associated with lower peptide levels, in a sample of young male subjects from Southern Italy ( n =395, mean age=35.2±2 years) followed up for 28 years. In this cohort, the ANP gene variant was associated with early blood pressure increase and predisposition to develop hypertension.

Primary hypertension represents a complex cardiovascular trait determined by both environmental and genetic factors.1, 2 The gene encoding ANP, a cardiac hormone with natriuretic diuretic and vasodilatory properties,3 has been shown to favour development of high BP levels in genetically manipulated animal models.4, 5 Similar results were obtained with the manipulation of NPRA (natriuretic peptide receptor type A) gene.6 Furthermore, the efficacy of a regulatable ANP gene therapy for hypertension has been recently demonstrated.7 In humans, the contributory role of ANP gene into predisposition to develop hypertension has been so far explored through a few case–control association studies with variable results.8, 9

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiology, IInd School of Medicine, University La Sapienza, Ospedale S. Andrea, Rome, Italy

    S Rubattu & M Volpe

  2. Cardiology Department, IRCCS Neuromed, Polo Molisano University, La Sapienza, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy

    S Rubattu, A Evangelista, D Barbato, R Stanzione & M Volpe

  3. Epidemiology and Population Genetics, Institute of Food Sciences, CNR, Avellino, Italy

    G Barba

  4. Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Federico II University of Naples Medical School, Naples, Italy

    R Iacone & P Strazzullo

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  1. S Rubattu
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  2. A Evangelista
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  8. P Strazzullo
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Correspondence to S Rubattu.

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Rubattu, S., Evangelista, A., Barbato, D. et al. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene promoter variant and increased susceptibility to early development of hypertension in humans. J Hum Hypertens 21, 822–824 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1002228

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