Source: Xinhua
05-12-2009 11:53
Special Report: Tech MaxWASHINGTON, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen genes that influence hypertension and blood pressure levels have been identified, according to two studies published online Sunday.
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| New high blood pressure genes identified (File photo) |
Each of the two studies, which were published in the British journal Nature Genetics, found eight genes associated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure as well as hypertension, of which three overlapped.
Some of the genes affect calcium transport in the body and others influence the relaxation of blood vessels, the researchers said.
What's more, few of them "would have been on anyone's short list of suspected blood pressure genes until now," said Daniel Levy, first author of one of the studies and director of the U.S. Framingham Heart Study and Center for Population Studies.
The findings break new ground in understanding blood pressure regulation and may help highlight potential drug targets for the prevention or treatment of hypertension, the researchers said.
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Editor:Yang Jie
