Proteomic markers associated with blood pressure, hypertension, and treatment-resistant hypertension

Background The aim of this study was to investigate associations between 92 proteins and blood pressure (BP), prevalent hypertension (HT) and apparent treatment-resistant HT (aTRH) in a population-derived sub cohort. Methods Excluding subjects with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) ( n = 189), linear regression models assessed associations between proteins and systolic BP. Proteins showing significant associations (false discovery rate 5%) with systolic BP were analysed adjusting for clinically relevant covariates. Associated proteins were further analysed for associations with diastolic BP, prevalent HT, and aTRH, in multivariable regression models. Results Complete data was available in 1527 individuals (mean age 67.1 ± 6.0 years; 30.5% women). Interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) associated with systolic BP (β 2.79, p 0.008), diastolic BP (β 1.78, p < 0.001), HT (odds ratio (OR), 1.34 [95% CI, 1.01–1.78]) and aTRH (OR, 1.94 [1.11–3.39]) while chitinase-3-like-protein 1 (CHI3L1) associated with systolic BP (β 1.53, p 0.004) and prevalent HT (OR 1.20, [1.04–1.38]). Pathway analysis suggested “metabolism of angiotensinogen to angiotensins”, “neutrophil degranulation” and “peptide hormone metabolism” as significantly enriched, in relation to blood pressure. Conclusions Among 1527 individuals without established ASCVD, IL1R2 was associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as with both HT and aTRH, while CHI3L1 associated with systolic blood pressure and prevalent HT. These findings may offer novel insights and inspire future research on HT and inflammation.