Neurogenic Hypertension Revelations from GenomeW

Authors: Francine Z Marques Brian J Morris

Publish Date: 2012/05/26

Volume: 14, Issue: 6, Pages: 485-491

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Abstract

There is now good evidence for a role of the sympathetic nervous system in the etiology of essential hypertension in humans Although genetic variation is expected to underlie the elevated sympathetic outflow in this complex polygenic condition only limited information has emerged from classic molecular genetic studies Recently progress has been made in understanding neurogenic aspects by determination of global alterations in gene expression in key brain regions of animal models of neurogenic hypertension Such genomewide expression studies in the hypothalamus and brainstem support roles for factors such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase inflammation and reactive oxygen species A role for noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs and epigenetic alterations await exploration Ongoing novel approaches should provide a better understanding of the processes responsible for the increased sympathetic outflow in animal models as well as essential hypertension in humans Such information may lead to better therapies for neurogenic hypertension in humans

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