A STUDY ON SOMATIC DNA DAMAGES IN HYPERTENSIVE YOUNG ADULTS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH BIOCHEMICALAND DEMOGRAPHIC PARAME

Abstract

Introduction: Incidence of hypertension is increasing in young population. Aggressive control is mandatory to preserve and protect public health in India. Several socio-demographic, anthropometric, environmental, lifestyle, biochemical and genetic factors contribute for the development of hypertension in young adults. Hypertension and its chronic complications are also linked to oxidative stress and DNA damage. Methods: The cross sectional study involves 180 young hypertensives between the age group of 18 – 39 years and 140 apparently healthy age and sex matched controls. After obtaining relevant history, anthropometric measurements were taken. Socio-demographic characters were recorded using proforma. After taking written informed consent, five ( 5 ml) of venous blood was collected after 8-12 hours of fasting. 2 ml of blood was transferred aseptically to a sodium heparinised vacutainer for evaluating somatic DNA damages by Cytokinesis-block Micronuclei assay (CBMN assay). Remaining 3 ml of blood is allowed to clot; serum separated and was used for other biochemical investigations such as fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, urea, creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA). Statistical analysis done using SPSS software. Results: Fasting blood sugar, Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and creatinine were significantly elevated in young hypertensives. Oxidative stress and DNA damage is significantly elevated in young hypertensives compared to control group. BMI and abdominal circumference are also significantly elevated in young hypertensive adults compared to control group. Conclusion: Increased oxidative stress and DNA damage in young hypertensives contribute to the complications associated with hypertension.