LOSS OF ADD1 METHYLATION ADDS ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN YOUNG ADULTS

Objective: To investigate the association between alpha-Adducin (ADD1) methylation and blood pressure in young adults with essential hypertension. Design and method: A total of 160 subjects (80 normotensive and 80 incident hypertensive) aged between 18 to 45 years from Kuantan, Pahang were included in a cross-sectional study by purposive sampling. They were assessed for ADD1 methylation in peripheral blood using MethyLight assay. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were also examined. Results: ADD1 methylation was inversely correlated with systolic (p = 0.006, r = –0.240), diastolic (p = 0.001, r = –0.281) and mean arterial pressures (p = 0.002, r = –0.270). Hypertensive subjects had significantly higher ADD1 methylation than normotensive control (p = 0.005). After adjusting for other relevant covariates (age, body mass index, HbA1c, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol), ADD1 methylation remained a significant predictor for hypertension in young adults (p = 0.020) Conclusions: ADD1 methylation is a significant predictor of hypertension in young adults. ADD1 methylation could serve as a future preventive and therapeutic target for hypertension and related cardiovascular disease.