Inherited Kidney Disease and Childhood Anemia Linked to Renin Gene

In the latest issue of American Journal of Human Genetics reported by Medical News online, researchers have found that the renin gene is responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. A mutation of this gene can cause people and children to have chronic high blood pressure, which can lead to anemia in childhood and kidney disease in adulthood. The study was conducted at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Charles University in Prague.

How Renin Regulates Blood Pressure

Renin is a protein and is released when your blood pressure drops. When the renin is released, the hormone angiotensin converts to angiotensin I by using an angiotensin-converting enzyme. Once it’s converted, the angiotensin I becomes angiotensin II, which is what actually makes your blood pressure go back up to normal levels. A problem occurs when your renin is overactive and continues to release, signaling your body to release the hormones to make your blood pressure continue to stay at elevated levels.

How High Blood Pressure Affects Your Body

Since your body blood pressure regulation center is in overdrive, organs begin to suffer. This is why children may suffer from anemia and adults from kidney disease or in some, gout. Kidney disease is serious and needs medical attention.

Medication to Regulate Renin

This new information about the renin gene will help scientists tailor blood pressure medication to attack the renin in your body. Regulating the release of this protein will mean that your body will stop giving signals to release the blood pressure rising hormones.

(Photo Credit: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161089.php)

August 19th, 2009 by Marcelina Hardy | Posted in Genetics and Society | (0)