Serum Elabela expression is decreased in hypertensive patients and could be associated with the progression of hypertensive renal damage

Abstract

Abstract Background Elabela, a recently discovered hormonal peptide containing 32 amino acids, is a ligand for the apelin receptor. It can lower blood pressure and attenuate renal fibrosis. However, the clinicopathological relationship between Elabela level and renal damage caused by benign hypertension (BHT) and malignant hypertension (MHT) has not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the clinicopathological correlation between serum Elabela level and renal damage caused by BHT and MHT. Methods The participants comprised 50 patients and 25 age-matched healthy adults. The 50 patients were separated into two groups: MHT (n = 25) and BHT groups (n = 25). We analyzed their medical histories, demographics, and clinical examinations, including physical and laboratory tests. Results The results showed that serum Elabela level decreased gradually with a continuous increase in blood pressure from the healthy control group, BHT, to MHT. Moreover, Elabela levels negatively correlated with BMI (R =  − 0.27, P = 0.02), SBP (r =  − 0.64, P < 0.01), DBP (r =  − 0.58, P < 0.01), uric acid (r =  − 0.39, P < 0.01), bun (r =  − 0.53, P < 0.01), and Scr (r =  − 0.53 P < 0.01) but positively correlated with eGFR (r = 0.54, P < 0.01). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that SBP was the variable most related to Elabela (t =  − 5.592, P < 0.01). Conclusions Serum Elabela levels decreased in patients with hypertension, especially malignant hypertension, and has the potential to be a marker of hypertension-related kidney damage.