Mineralocorticoid Receptor and Aldosterone: Interaction Between NR3C2 Genetic Variants, Sex, and Age in a Mixed Cohort

Abstract

Abstract Context Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular risk, often involves dysregulated aldosterone and its interaction with the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Experimental designs in animal models and human cohorts have demonstrated a sex and age dependency of aldosterone secretion that expands our pathophysiologic understanding. Objective This study explores the genetic variation of NR3C2, which encodes MR, in relation to aldosterone, considering age, sex, and race. Methods Incorporating 720 Caucasians and 145 Africans from the HyperPATH cohort, we investigated the impact of rs4835490, a single nucleotide risk allele variant, on aldosterone levels and vasculature. Results Notably, a significant association between rs4835490 and plasma aldosterone under liberal salt conditions emerged in individuals of European ancestry (P = .0002). Homozygous carriers of the risk A allele exhibited elevated plasma aldosterone levels (AA = 8.1 ± .9 vs GG = 4.9 ± .5 ng/dL). Additionally, aldosterone activation through posture (P = .025) and urinary excretion (P = .0122) showed notable associations. Moreover, genetic interactions with race, sex, and age were observed. Caucasian females under 50 years displayed higher plasma aldosterone, urine aldosterone, and posture aldosterone with the AA genotype compared to females over 50 years, suggesting a potential connection with menopausal or estrogen influences. Interestingly, such age-dependent interactions were absent in the African cohort. Conclusion Our study highlights the significance of the NR3C2 genetic variation and its interplay with age, sex, and race in aldosterone activation. The findings point toward an estrogen-modulating effect on MR activation, particularly in women, underlining the role of aldosterone dysregulation in hypertension development. This insight advances our comprehension of hypertension's complexities and opens avenues for personalized interventions. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03029806 (registered January 24, 2017).