Mutations in the Na-Cl cotransporter reduce blood pressure in humans

G2736A polymorphism of thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter gene predisposes to hypertension in young women

OBJECTIVE

The thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (TSC) is located in the distal renal tubules. Several mutations of the TSC gene cause Gitelman's syndrome, which is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by low blood pressure and hypokalemia. Recently, an association between TSC gene polymorphisms (Arg904Gln, G2736A; Thr465Thr, C1420T; Gly264Ala, G816C) and essential hypertension has been reported in Sweden. We examined the genetic involvement of the TSC gene in essential hypertension in Japanese.

DESIGN

Participants were recruited from outpatients of Osaka University Hospital. We investigated 386 hypertensive and 371 normotensive subjects.

METHODS

Genotypes of TSC polymorphisms (G2736A, C1420T, G816C) were determined by the TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, and statistical significance was examined using JMP 5.0.1J (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, North Carolina, USA). The allele frequency of A2736 and T1420 was 6.0 and 3.0%, respectively, whereas we could not detect the G816C polymorphism in this study. Only the G2736A polymorphism was significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertension (P <0.04), and the estimated odds ratio was 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.0) in A2736 allele carriers. The odds ratio for hypertension in A2736 carriers was increased to 2.2 (1.1-4.9) in women (n=413), and further to 3.3 (1.4-8.0) in women with early onset of hypertension (< or = 50 years old). In addition, all subjects with the homozygous A2736 allele in this study (n=2) and the Swedish study (n=5) were hypertensive.

CONCLUSION

G2736A polymorphism of the TSC gene is a genetic predisposing factor for essential hypertension in Japanese women.

Familial neurocardiogenic (vasovagal) syncope

Vasovagal syncope (VSS) is an exaggerated tendency towards the common faint caused by a sudden and profound hypotension with or without bradycardia. The etiology of VVS is unknown though several lines of evidence indicate central and peripheral abnormalities of sympathetic function. Studies however indicate a strong heritable component to the etiology of VVS in over 20% of cases. Here, we report the findings from a family that shows apparently autosomal dominant VVS in at least three generations. Clinical findings included an absence of any discernible cardiac or autonomic abnormalities and reproducible hypotension on tilt table testing in affected family members.

A high prevalence of Gitelman's syndrome mutations in Japanese

Although Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is considered a rare disorder, it is an autosomal recessive phenotype and the frequency of heterozygote subjects might be higher than suspected. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of GS in Japanese and the effects of heterozygous GS mutations on blood pressure levels. We used the TaqMan system to detect 9 Gitelman's syndrome mutations in SLC12A3 that have been reported in Japanese. We then conducted association studies between these mutations and blood pressure in 1,852 subjects recruited from the Suita study, representing the general population in Japan. Among these 1,852 subjects, we detected the T180K, A569V, L623P, R642C, and L849H heterozygote genotypes in 56, 14, 1, 1, and 47 subjects, respectively. The overall frequency of GS mutations was (56+14+1+1+47) / (1,852 x 2) = 0.0321, which was much higher than suspected. This means we should expect to find one subject with a heterozygous GS mutation among 15.6 Japanese or that we should find 10.3 GS subjects among 10,000 Japanese. Although the blood pressure levels of subjects heterozygous for the T180K, A569V, or L849H genotype were not significantly different from those of wild-type subjects, urine pH in subjects with GS mutations was significantly higher than that in subjects without mutations. In conclusion, GS could be one of the major causes of low blood pressure in Japanese.

Pathophysiology of functional mutations of the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter in Gitelman disease

Most of the missense mutations that have been described in the human SLC12A3 gene encoding the thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (TSC, NCC, or NCCT), as the cause of Gitelman disease, block TSC function by interfering with normal protein processing and glycosylation. However, some mutations exhibit considerable activity. To investigate the pathogenesis of Gitelman disease mediated by such mutations and to gain insights into structure-function relationships on the cotransporter, five functional disease mutations were introduced into mouse TSC cDNA, and their expression was determined in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Western blot analysis revealed immunoreactive bands in all mutant TSCs that were undistinguishable from wild-type TSC. The activity profile was: wild-type TSC (100%) > G627V (66%) > R935Q (36%) = V995M (32%) > G610S (12%) > A585V (6%). Ion transport kinetics in all mutant clones were similar to wild-type TSC, except in G627V, in which a small but significant increase in affinity for extracellular Cl(-) was observed. In addition, G627V and G610S exhibited a small increase in metolazone affinity. The surface expression of wild-type and mutant TSCs was performed by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. All mutants exhibited a significant reduction in surface expression compared with wild-type TSC, with a profile similar to that observed in functional expression analysis. Our data show that biochemical and functional properties of the mutant TSCs are similar to wild-type TSC but that the surface expression is reduced, suggesting that these mutations impair the insertion of a functional protein into the plasma membrane. The small increase in Cl(-) and thiazide affinity in G610S and G627V suggests that the beginning of the COOH-terminal domain could be implicated in defining kinetic properties.

Hypertension in a patient with Gitelman's syndrome

Gitelman's syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sodium wasting and hypotension. A middle-aged woman was diagnosed with Gitelman's syndrome because of typical clinical manifestations in the youth and homozygous mutations of 18-base-pair insertion in exon 6 of thiazide-sensitive NaCl-cotransporter gene. It was unusual that she showed hypertension with advancing age. Her serum potassium levels remained low at around 3.5 mEq/l despite potassium supplementation. This case demonstrates that hypertension could result in spite of the extremely decreased sodium reabsorption in Gitelman's syndrome and that essential hypertension is genetically heterogeneous, and abnormality of all genes may not be necessarily required to cause blood pressure rise.

Pharmacogenomics of diuretic drugs: data on rare monogenic disorders and on polymorphisms and requirements for further research

This review summarizes the current status of our knowledge about the role of pharmacogenetic variation in response to diuretics and suggests future research topics for the field. Genes with a role in the pharmacokinetics of most diuretics are renal drug transporters, especially OAT1, OAT3 and OCT2 (genes SLC22A6, SLC22A8 and SLC22A2) whereas variants in carbonic anhydrase (CA), cytochrome P450 enzymes and sulfotransferases are relevant only for specific substances. Genes on the pharmacodynamic side include the primary targets of thiazide, loop, K+-sparing and aldosterone antagonistic diuretics: NCC, NKCC2, ENaC and the mineralocorticoid receptor (genes SLC12A3, SLC12A1, SCNN1A, B, G and NR3C2). Rare variants of these proteins cause Gitelman’s syndrome, Bartter’s syndrome, Liddle’s syndrome or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Polymorphisms in these and in associated proteins such as GNB3, α-adducin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) seem to be clinically relevant. In conclusion, first knowledge has evolved that efficacy of diuretic drugs may be determined by genetic polymorphisms in genes determining pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this drug class. In the future, the selection of a diuretic drug or the dosing schedules may be individually chosen based on pharmacogenetic parameters, however, many questions remain to be answered before this fantasy becomes reality.

Thiazide-induced hypocalciuria is accompanied by a decreased expression of Ca2+ transport proteins in kidney

INTRODUCTION

Thiazide diuretics have the unique characteristic of increasing renal Na+ excretion, while decreasing Ca2+ excretion. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for this thiazide-induced hypocalciuria remains unclear. The present study investigates the effect of thiazides on the expression of the proteins involved in active Ca2+ transport as well as the role of extracellular volume (ECV) status.

METHODS

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), 12 mg/24 hours, was administered during 7 days to Wistar rats by osmotic minipumps. In addition, ECV contraction was either prevented by Na+ repletion or induced by a low-salt diet. Expression levels of the proteins involved in active Ca2+ transport [i.e., epithelial Ca2+ channel (TRPV5/ECaC1), calbindin-D28K, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1)], as well as the thiazide-sensitive Na+ Cl- cotransporter (NCC) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and semiquantitative immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HCTZ significantly reduced urinary Ca2+ excretion (22%+/- 5% relative to controls). Hematocrit was significantly increased, confirming ECV contraction. In addition, Na+ depletion virtually abolished Ca2+ excretion (8%+/- 1%), while Na+ repletion during HCTZ treatment prevented both ECV contraction and hypocalciuria. HCTZ significantly decreased mRNA expression of TRPV5 (71%+/- 6%), calbindin-D28K (53%+/- 6%), NCX1 (51%+/- 8%) and NCC (50%+/- 11%), regardless of ECV status or calciuresis. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced TRPV5 (43%+/- 2%), calbindin-D28K (59%+/- 1%) and NCC (56%+/- 4%) abundance. Furthermore, during HCTZ treatment, the subset of tubules coexpressing NCC and calbindin-D28K was significantly reduced (43%+/- 5%) and a disturbed cellular localization of NCC was observed.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that ECV contraction is a critical determinant of the thiazide-induced hypocalciuria, which is accompanied by a decreased expression of Ca2+ transport proteins.

(Patho)physiological implications of the novel epithelial Ca2+ channels TRPV5 and TRPV6

The epithelial Ca(2+) channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 constitute the apical Ca(2+) entry mechanism in active Ca(2+) (re)absorption. These two members of the superfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels were cloned from the vitamin-D-responsive epithelia of kidney and small intestine and subsequently identified in other tissues such as bone, pancreas and prostate. These channels are regulated by vitamin D as exemplified in animal models of vitamin-D-deficiency rickets. In addition, the epithelial Ca(2+) channels might be involved in the multifactorial pathogenesis of disorders ranging from idiopathic hypercalciuria, stone disease and postmenopausal osteoporosis. This review highlights the emerging (patho)physiological implications of these epithelial Ca(2+) channels.

Bone mass and bone modelling markers in hypertensive postmenopausal women

Numerous phosphocalcium alterations associated with bone mineral density in hypertension have been described, but very few studies assess them. This study assesses bone mass in hypertensive postmenopausal women and the hypertension influence determining both calcium homeostasis and bone turnover markers. Blood and urine samples were analysed for calcium metabolism-related parameters. Densitometry studies were conducted in the lumbar spine (L2-L4). Hypertensive osteoporotic women--selected from 82 women, with 22% osteoporosis prevalence, similar to the rate for the same age in the Spanish population--had significantly higher levels of body mass index (29+/-4 vs 26+/-4, P=0.019), calciuria (293+/-146 vs 210+/-116 mg/24 h, P=0.023) and calcium/creatinine ratio (0.33+/-0.2 vs 0.22+/-0.1 P=0.003) vs hypertensive nonosteoporotic women. No relation was found between systolic and diastolic blood pressure with bone mass. However, there was a negative osteocalcin correlation (r=-0.386, P=0.0001, and r=-0.242, P=0.033). Calciuria is associated with bone mass decrease in hypertensive women, and there is no relation between bone mass and blood pressure.

Impact of dietary sodium on cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality

Many public health agencies recommend universal restriction of dietary sodium to 100 mmol/L or less per day. This reflects the belief that because sodium restriction reduces blood pressure, it will therefore also reduce cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Although large (100 mmol/L/24 h) reductions in sodium intake do produce a measurable decline in aggregate blood pressure, there is great heterogeneity in individual response, probably reflecting differing genetic, environmental, and behavioral characteristics. Moreover, sodium depletion has multiple other effects including activation of the renin-angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system, and increase in insulin resistance. Since the health effect will be the sum of these multiple good and bad effects of sodium reduction, outcome trials are needed to determine the benefit or harm of alteration in sodium intake. Unfortunately, no clinical trial has addressed the question of whether a lower sodium diet would improve or extend life. The best available data derives from six prospective cohort studies. In sum, the scant available observational data do not rule out the possibility of benefit for some and increased risk for others. Considerable experience--most recently the hormone replacement study--underscores the hazards of extrapolating clinical recommendations from observational data alone. In the absence of any evidence from randomized trials of morbidity and mortality outcomes, and in the face of inconsistent observational studies, a universal recommendation for sodium restriction is unwarranted and inconsistent with the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Low sodium diet after DASH: has the situation changed? Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial adds to the large body of evidence indicating a direct association of dietary sodium with blood pressure, and showing that rigorous reduction of dietary sodium can reduce blood pressure over a 30-day period by statistically significant amounts. DASH, however, neither addressed nor answered whether a reduction of dietary sodium reduces morbidity and mortality. Data linking baseline sodium to mortality and morbidity outcomes are sparse, with only six known studies. Of these, two showed no association, two showed an inverse association, and two showed a direct association only in obese subsets. No studies have examined outcomes after sodium reduction, and no studies have linked sodium to outcomes or even a blood pressure benefit among treated hypertensives. Universal recommendations for sodium reduction or dietary sodium goals should await evidence that such interventions are both safe and effective as measured by morbidity and mortality outcomes.

Pharmacogenomics in cardiovascular diseases

Considerable heterogeneity exists in the way individuals respond to medications, in terms of both efficacy and safety. Inherited differences in the absorption, metabolism, excretion, and target for drug therapy have important effects on drug efficacy and safety. Pharmacogenomics aims to discover new therapeutic targets and understand genetic polymorphisms that determine the safety and efficacy of medications. The goal of pharmaco-genomics is customization of drug therapy with administration of a medication in an optimum dose that will be safe and effective with reduction in morbidity and mortality.

Genetics of population isolates

Genetic isolates, as shown empirically by the Finnish, Old Order Amish, Hutterites, Sardinian and Jewish communities among others, represent a most important and powerful tool in genetically mapping inherited disorders. The main features associated with that genetic power are the existence of multigenerational pedigrees which are mostly descended from a small number of founders a short number of generations ago, environmental and phenotypic homogeneity, restricted geographical distribution, the presence of exhaustive and detailed records correlating individuals in very well ascertained pedigrees, and inbreeding as a norm. On the other hand, the presence of a multifounder effect or admixture among divergent populations in the founder time (e.g. the Finnish and the Paisa community from Colombia) will theoretically result in increased linkage disequilibrium among adjacent loci. The present review evaluates the historical context and features of some genetic isolates with emphasis on the basic population genetic concepts of inbreeding and genetic drift, and also the state-of-the-art in mapping traits, both Mendelian and complex, on genetic isolates.

Inherited primary renal tubular hypokalemic alkalosis: a review of Gitelman and Bartter syndromes

Inherited hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, or Bartter syndrome, comprises several closely related disorders of renal tubular electrolyte transport. Recent advances in the field of molecular genetics have demonstrated that there are four genetically distinct abnormalities, which result from mutations in renal electrolyte transporters and channels. Neonatal Bartter syndrome affects neonates and is characterized by polyhydramnios, premature delivery, severe electrolyte derangements, growth retardation, and hypercalciuria leading to nephrocalcinosis. It may be caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) or the outwardly rectifying potassium channel (ROMK), a regulator of NKCC2. Classic Bartter syndrome is due to a mutation in the gene encoding the chloride channel (CLCNKB), also a regulator of NKCC2, and typically presents in infancy or early childhood with failure to thrive. Nephrocalcinosis is typically absent despite hypercalciuria. The hypocalciuric, hypomagnesemic variant of Bartter syndrome (Gitelman syndrome), presents in early adulthood with predominantly musculoskeletal symptoms and is due to mutations in the gene encoding the Na-Cl cotransporter (NCCT). Even though our understanding of these disorders has been greatly advanced by these discoveries, the pathophysiology remains to be completely defined. Genotype-phenotype correlations among the four disorders are quite variable and continue to be studied. A comprehensive review of Bartter and Gitelman syndromes will be provided here.