The role of epigenetics in hypertension of children and adolescents: a systematic review.
Lilik Sukesi, Yunia Sribudiani, Steven Yulius Usman et al.
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In 30 seconds
This PRISMA 2020 systematic review qualitatively assessed 14 published studies on epigenetics and blood pressure in children and adolescents. Eleven studies (78.5%) reported a correlation between epigenetic factors and blood pressure, although the genes or loci examined differed across studies. Overall, the review found that epigenetic modifications involving various single nucleotide polymorphisms and other genes were associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The findings indicate a possible relationship in young people, but the varied targets and qualitative synthesis do not establish a single mechanism or causal effect.
Key findings
- Eleven of 14 included studies (78.5%) reported a correlation between epigenetic factors and blood pressure.
- Across studies, epigenetic modifications involving various SNPs and other genes were associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- The studies examined different genes or loci, limiting consistency in the specific epigenetic factors identified.
Why it matters
The review brings together evidence that epigenetic factors may be associated with blood pressure in childhood and adolescence, a period relevant to later cardiovascular health. The findings support continued investigation of how genetic and environmental influences relate to blood pressure, while the variation in genes and loci studied means the evidence does not yet point to a consistent clinical marker.
What to keep in mind
The review included 14 studies, assessed qualitatively, and the studies examined different genes or loci; the abstract does not report a pooled effect estimate.