Researchers Discover Kidney Gene May Play a Role in Blood Pressure Regulation

        A research team from the University of Cincinnati, used male mice to study the KAP gene. Kidney androgen-regulated protein, KAP, is only found in the kidney proximal tubule, and is stimulated in by an androgen hormone (testosterone for example). Although the kidney proximal tubule contains profuse amount of KAP, the function of KAP is unknown.

Manoocher Soleimani, MD

        Manoocher Soleimani, MD, Professor of Medicine and Associate Chair for Research in the Department of Internal Medicine at University of Cincinnati, led the study. The study included male mice with a deficiency in the KAP gene and significantly reduced blood pressure, and a group of control mice, who did not have a deficiency in the KAP gene. All of the mice were placed on a high salt diet for 14 days. After the 14 days, the mice with the KAP deficiency had a normal blood pressure and the mice in the control group were not significantly affected.
          Soleimani says, "It is well known that men are more prone to develop hypertension than women, specifically before the age of 50. While this has correlated with higher testosterone levels in men, the exact association between male hormones and hypertension remains unknown. Our results suggest that KAP, which is regulated by testosterone plays an important role in the systemic blood pressure in male animals through regulation of salt absorption in the kidney tubule."

        Although I know nothing about KAP genes and know very little about the regulation of blood pressure, this article still seemed interesting to me. The study seemed very straightforward. The researchers found their answer by simply feeding the mouse high amounts of salt than normal and measuring their blood pressure. I think the procedure was so simple, but the results were very important. The results from this study could possibly lead to treatments and protections for irregular blood pressure. I think the first step into possible therapies begins with finding out the function of the KAP gene.

Main Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141117130725.htm
Related Article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19332469