Effects of Vitamin D on Renin Expression in Hypertensive Patients
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2008-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The cardiovascular effects of vitamin D therapy (in humans) have been documented only in
patients with known vitamin D deficiency or hyperparathyroidism (a surrogate marker of
inadequate vitamin D activity). It is unknown whether the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin
D therapy extend beyond these patients to the general hypertensive population. We propose to
directly measure the effect of vitamin D therapy on plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma renin
concentration (PRC), renin transcription (in mononuclear leukocytes), and blood pressure in
hypertensive (but otherwise healthy) patients in a randomized, controlled, experimental
trial. This will be the first study to assess vitamin D receptor (VDR) biological (PRA, PRC,
renin mRNA, and polymorphisms) and hypertensive activity in patients without vitamin D
deficiency. We hypothesize that vitamin D inhibition of renin transcription will produce
significant reductions in PRA, PRC, renin transcription, inflammatory cytokines, SBP, and
DBP, with potential variation by VDR genotype. Such a result may prove to be significant in
the treatment of hypertension, as even modest blood pressure reductions (5 mmHg) are
associated with a 14% reduction in mortality due to stroke, a 9% reduction in mortality due
to CHD, and a 7% overall reduction in all-cause mortality.
Phase:
Early Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Utah
Treatments:
Calcitriol Cholecalciferol Ergocalciferols Vitamin D Vitamins