- 1Gerontology Center, Medical Center of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan
- 2Therapeutic Department, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- 3PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
- 4General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
- 5Department for Scientific Work, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) is a pervasive global health concern with multifaceted origins encompassing both genetic and environmental components. Previous research has firmly established the association between AH and diverse genetic factors. Consequently, scientists have conducted extensive genetic investigations in recent years to unravel the intricate pathophysiology of AH.
Methods: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis employing VOSviewer software to identify the most noteworthy genetic factors that have been the focal point of numerous investigations within the AH field in recent years. Our analysis revealed genes and microRNAs intricately linked to AH, underscoring their pivotal roles in this condition. Additionally, we performed molecular docking analyses to ascertain microRNAs with the highest binding affinity to these identified genes. Furthermore, we constructed a network to elucidate the in-silico-based functional interactions between the identified microRNAs and genes, shedding light on their potential roles in AH pathogenesis.
Results: Notably, this pioneering in silico examination of genetic factors associated with AH promises novel insights into our understanding of this complex condition. Our findings prominently highlight miR-7110-5p, miR-7110-3p, miR-663, miR-328-3p, and miR-140-5p as microRNAs exhibiting a remarkable affinity for target genes. These microRNAs hold promise as valuable diagnostic and therapeutic factors, offering new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of AH in the foreseeable future.
Conclusion: In summary, this research underscores the critical importance of genetic factors in AH and, through in silico analyses, identifies specific microRNAs with significant potential for further investigation and clinical applications in AH management.
1 Introduction
Arterial hypertension (AH) stands as a significant global public health concern, impacting millions of individuals worldwide (Lauder et al., 2020) (Figure 1). As of the most recent statistics available, which were obtained from Whelton et al. (2023), AH affects a substantial portion of the global population. The prevalence of AH varies across regions, with high-income countries reporting 28.5% (Mills et al., 2016) and low- and middle-income countries experiencing 17.5% (Geldsetzer et al., 2019) of the cases.
FIGURE 1. Hypertension prevalence all over the world in 2010. The definition of prevalence of hypertension is systolic blood pressure≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure≥90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive drugs in men and women. Data obtained from Mills et al. (2016).
The majority of hypertensive patients exhibit modifiable cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to the development and progression of AH (Mills et al., 2016). These risk factors encompass elements such as overweight, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and high salt intake (Pinto and Martins, 2017). Therefore, uncovering the underlying etiology of AH remains essential. Although the precise etiology of AH remains elusive, previous research has emphasized the intricate interplay between environmental and genetic factors (Dornas and Silva, 2011).
In addition to environmental factors, genetic predisposition plays a pivotal role in the development of AH. Several genetic factors have been identified, some of which predispose individuals to AH, while others reduce the risk of the disease. For instance, mutations in eight genes have been associated with Mendelian forms of hypertension (Raina et al., 2019). Moreover, recent molecular studies have revealed associations between specific gene polymorphisms and AH, such as those in angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin (AT) II receptor (type 1), and aldosterone synthase genes (Ghafar, 2020).
Furthermore, in recent years, the role of epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiology of AH has garnered increasing attention (Mao et al., 2023). Epigenetic modifications encompass alterations in gene expression regulation that are heritable, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA regulation, without any changes in the nucleotide sequence. Notably, DNA methylation, a key epigenetic modification, can impact various aspects of AH, including renal sodium reabsorption, cardiac hypertrophy, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), ionic transport, vascular tone modulation, and more, by affecting various genes (Takeda et al., 2021).
MicroRNAs, as another class of genetic factors, have emerged as important regulators in the pathophysiology of AH (Wang et al., 2022). Previous studies have demonstrated that these non-coding RNAs play a pivotal role in AH through mechanisms such as inflammation regulation, vasodilatory activity, endothelial proliferation, regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels, and involvement in the differentiation of stem cells into vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) (Aryal and Suárez, 2019). Furthermore, microRNAs have the potential to influence both the RAAS and the sympathetic nervous system, bridging the gap between these two systems and exerting their effects on AH in various ways (Improta-Caria et al., 2021).
Despite extensive research on genetic factors in AH, a deeper understanding of their roles is necessary. In this study, we aim to identify and analyze various genetic factors involved in AH using bibliometric analysis and conduct molecular docking analysis to elucidate their potential functions in the disease. Additionally, we will explore the role of genetic variants and polymorphisms in AH. Our in silico analysis will help identify microRNAs with the highest affinity for genes implicated in AH. This analysis may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying AH and may have implications for future diagnostic and therapeutic research.
In summary, our study underscores the significance of comprehending the genetic factors at play in AH, including the role of microRNAs and epigenetic modifications. We aim to shed light on these factors’ contributions to AH pathogenesis and their potential utility in future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
2 Materials and methods
2.1 Data extraction and bibliometric analysis
To conduct a bibliometric analysis of recent genetic studies related to arterial hypertension (AH), we searched the PubMed online database on 25 April 2023. The search strategy used was: “Search: {[arterial hypertens*(Title/Abstract)] OR [arterial hypertens*(MeSH Terms)]} AND {[gene (MeSH Terms)] OR [gene (Title/Abstract)]} Filters: from 2018–2023”. We used VOSviewer software to perform the bibliometric analysis and identify the most frequent genetic-related MeSH keywords (Van Eck and Waltman, 2010). We excluded some general MeSH keywords from their analysis, including human, male, female, hypertension, blood pressure, familial primary pulmonary hypertension, all Mesh keywords that belong to animals, all Mesh keywords that belong to age, cell, cultured, endothelial cells, muscle and smooth muscle, lung, hypoxia and biomarkers. We also performed an Overlay visualization using VOSviewer to determine the time range in which the most frequent genetic-related MeSH keywords were studied.
The use of bibliometric analysis has become increasingly popular in biomedical research for identifying research trends, and hot topics. In previous studies, bibliometric analysis has been used to investigate the global trends and research focus of hypertension, identifying key research areas and influential authors (Donthu et al., 2021). In addition, network visualization analysis has been used to visualize the co-citation of hypertension-related genes and pathways. By using these methods, researchers have been able to identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for hypertension.
2.2 MicroRNA and gene related data extraction
We conducted a deep search in Google Scholar on 26 April 2023, to identify microRNAs and genes involved in AH. They used the following search strategies: 1) allintitle: hypertension microRNA “arterial hypertension” -review–overview, and 2) allintitle: hypertension “gene” “arterial hypertension” -review -overview.
2.3 Docking analysis of microRNAs and target genes
We obtained the structure of microRNAs and genes from mirBASE (Kozomara and Griffiths-Jones, 2014) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (Sayers et al., 2021), respectively. They then performed a docking analysis of microRNAs and target genes using RNAhybrid (Rehmsmeier et al., 2004).
Molecular docking is a computational method that has been used to predict the binding affinity of small molecules to target proteins (Fan et al., 2019). In recent years, molecular docking has been applied to predict the binding of microRNAs to their target genes (Zhou et al., 2022). This approach has been used to identify potential miRNA-gene interactions involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. By using RNAhybrid for docking analysis of microRNAs and target genes, we can identify potential regulatory mechanisms of the genes involved in AH.
2.4 Network visualization
Cytoscape software (Shannon et al., 2003) was utilized in order to visualize Network between microRNAs and genes. Network visualization has been used to visualize complex interactions between genes, microRNAs, and other biomolecules. In previous studies, network visualization has been used to identify key pathways and molecular interactions involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. By using Cytoscape for network visualization, we can identify potential regulatory networks of microRNAs and genes involved in AH, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers.
3 Results
3.1 The most frequent mesh keywords that are examined in studies in which the roles of genetic factors in arterial hypertension (AH) are studied
Based on our network analysis, we identified 1,138 related articles on the genetic factors associated with arterial hypertension. Using VOSviewer software, we further divided these articles into 971 items, 19 clusters, 18,828 links, and a total link strength of 25,131. Our analysis revealed that the most frequent MeSH keywords related to genetic factors in arterial hypertension were genetic predisposition to disease, microRNA, gene expression regulation, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), as shown in Table 1 and Figure 2. These keywords have been extensively studied in previous research on the genetic basis of arterial hypertension, suggesting their importance in understanding the underlying mechanisms of this disease.
TABLE 1. The most frequent MeSH keywords in the field of genetic factors and their roles in arterial hypertension (AH).
FIGURE 2. Network visualization of the most frequent Mesh keywords that have examined in studies in which the roles of genetic factors in arterial hypertension (AH) are studied from 2018 to 2023. The size of each square of each MeSH keyword demonstrates the number of its occurrence.
Besides, overlay visualization confirms that all the mentioned MeSH keywords have been examined 155 in related field since 2018 (Figure 3).
FIGURE 3. Overlay visualization of the most frequent Mesh keywords that are examined in studies in which the roles of genetic factors in arterial hypertension (AH) have been studied since 2018.
3.2 Genetic predisposition to disease and polymorphism, single nucleotide was two of the most studied MeSH keywords in studies in which the role of genetic factors in AH has studied
Various genes and their polymorphism and their different roles in AH are collected in Table 2. Table 2 provides information on genes, their polymorphisms, and alleles that play a role in arterial hypertension in various populations. The table lists the gene name, gene polymorphism, genotype, allele, the effect of the gene on arterial hypertension, ethnicity/territory, and reference. The table indicates that various genes such as 11β-HSD1, 5-HTT, 5-HTTLPR, ACE, ADD1, AGT, AGTR1, APOE, COX-2, DRD2, EDN1, ERBB3, HIF1α, IRS1, ITGA2, MMP-9, MTHFR, NOS2, RASA3, RNF213, SCNN1A, TBX2, TNF, TNFR2, and VDR have been identified to be associated with arterial hypertension in different populations. For each gene, the table provides details on the specific polymorphism and allele, along with the ethnicity/territory where the association was found and the reference for the study.
TABLE 2. Discovered genes, their normal functions, location, polymorphism and allele that play role in arterial hypertension (HTN) in various populations.
3.3 Gene expression regulation was one of the most studied MeSH keywords in studies in which the role of genetic factors in AH has studied
Table 3 summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms that play a role in the development or worsening of arterial hypertension. It includes the gene name, the affecting mechanism(s) on the gene, and the result of the affecting mechanism(s) on the gene, along with the corresponding reference. The table shows that hyper methylation of the CBS promoter gene increases the risk of hypertension and stroke. Hyper-methylation of BMPR2 increases the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), while acetylation of H3K27 also increases the risk of PAH. Additionally, hypo methylation of SOCS3 promoter increases the risk of PAH. Other epigenetic factors and their functions in AH are displayed in Table 3.
TABLE 3. The epigenetic mechanisms that plays role in creating or deterioration of arterial hypertension (HTN) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
3.4 MicroRNAs was one of the most studied MeSH keywords in studies in which the role of genetic factors in AH has studied
Table 4 contains different types of microRNAs that involve in AH and also their mechanism in mentioned disease. Table 4 presents various microRNAs that have been studied in the context of arterial hypertension (AH) from 2018 to 2023. These microRNAs have different roles in AH and their mechanisms are also mentioned in the table. miR-140-5p suppresses the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic variation of PASMCs. miR-204 suppresses Tgfbr2 while miR-206 downregulates Kv1.5. miR-328-3p suppresses cell viability, migration, and the levels of VEGF, FGF-2 and HIF-1α in hypoxia-induced PASMCs. Other microRNAs have either amelioration or amplification roles in AH with different mechanisms of action. ND refers to “not determined”. The references for the studies are also mentioned in the table.
TABLE 4. Various microRNAs that they are involved in the process of arterial hypertension (AH) from 2018 to 2023.
3.5 MicroRNAs with the most binding affinity to genes that involve in AH
After obtaining the structure of collectedd microRNAs from mirBASE (Kozomara and Griffiths-Jones, 2014) and also achieving the structure of target genes from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (Sayers et al., 2021), docking analysis of microRNAs and target genes was conducted by using RNAhybrid (Rehmsmeier et al., 2004).
Table 5 has the detailed information about binding affinity of various microRNA and genes that play a part in AH. According to remarked table, MicroRNA-7110-5p has the most binding affinity to 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), serotonin transporter (5-HTT), and D2-dopaminergic receptor (DRD2). Moreover, MiR-7110-3p has the most binding affinity to integrin subunit alpha 2I (ITGA2) and MicroRNA-663. Besides, MicroRNA-663 demonstrated the most binding affinity to Angiotensinogen II Type 1 Receptor (AGTR1), Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), Apo lipoprotein E (APOE), Angiotensinogen II Type 1 Receptor (AGTR1), Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), endothelin1 (EDN1) ring finger protein 213 (RNF213), Alpha-Adducin 1 (ADD1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Furthermore, MiR-328-3p has the most binding affinity to vitamin D receptor (VDR), sodium channel epithelial 1 subunit alpha (SCNN1A) and angiotensinogen (AGT), and ultimately, MiR-140-5p has the most binding affinity to Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α). Besides, Figure 4 demonstrated the nucleotides that involve in the binding site of all mentioned microRNAs and genes.
TABLE 5. The binding affinity (Kcal/mole) of microRNAs and genes that play a part in arterial hypertension (AH).
FIGURE 4. 2D structure of binding site between MicroRNA-7110-5p and 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), serotonin transporter (5-HTT), and D2-dopaminergic receptor (DRD2). Moreover, MiR-7110-3p has the most binding affinity to integrin subunit alpha 2I (ITGA2) and MicroRNA-663 and Angiotensinogen II Type 1 Receptor (AGTR1), Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), Apo lipoprotein E (APOE), Angiotensinogen II Type 1 Receptor (AGTR1), Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), endothelin1 (EDN1) ring finger protein 213 (RNF213), Alpha-Adducin 1 (ADD1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), MiR-328-3p and vitamin D receptor (VDR), sodium channel epithelial 1 subunit alpha (SCNN1A) and angiotensinogen (AGT), MiR-140-5p and Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α). Each microRNA with its target genes are displayed and they are separated by a horizontal line. Red chains and green chains represent target gene and microRNA, respectively.
4 Discussion
4.1 Genetic predisposition to disease and polymorphism, single nucleotide was two of the most studied MeSH keywords in studies
Previous studies have confirmed the role of various genes and their polymorphism and also their single nucleotide in the pathophysiology of AH (Shnayder et al., 2021). Our study demonstrated that Genetic predisposition to disease and Polymorphism, single nucleotide are two factors that have been most frequent MeSH key words in related studies from 2018 to 2023 (Table 1; Figure 2). This finding is confirmed by prior surveys in which the role of genetic factors has been examined. Besides, previous surveys have mentioned that scientists have been trying to discover various genetic factors and pathways that involve in pathophysiology of AH (Friso et al., 2015).
4.2 Gene expression regulation
One of the most interesting keywords in the field of the genetic factors and their role in AH is gene expression regulation (Table 1). On the other side, one important way in order to regulate gene expression is using epigenetic factors for regulating gene expression. In better words, epigenetic factors, have gained the attention of scientists for examining their role in AH (Friso et al., 2015). Epigenetic factors are defined as heritable traits that alter the expression of human genes without making any change in the structure of DNA sequence. They have involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases including PAH. In other words, epigenetic factors in accompanying with genetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the dysregulation of network-based molecular architecture in cellular level in AH (Napoli et al., 2019). DNA methylation, histone modifications, mRNA methylation, and noncoding RNA modifications are major types of epigenetic factors (Barroso et al., 2014). These epigenetic mechanisms with genetic factors and environmental risk factors play a crucial role in occurrence and intensity of both vascular endothelial cells as well as AH (Napoli et al., 2019). Besides, based on previous researches, there are five available curative strategies in order to treat AH including endothelin receptor antagonists, prostanoid analogues, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, nonprostanoid IP receptor agonists, and soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators. Albeit the benefits of all mentioned curative strategies, some serious side effects still exists (Jain et al., 2017). Hence, scientists have tried to develop more effective therapeutic agents. One of these curative agents are epigenetic drugs (epidrugs) which have gained the attention of researchers in recent years (Napoli et al., 2016). For example, SIN3a (switch-independent 3a), a transcriptional regulator has been utilized to regulate methylation and expression levels of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) gene in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. SIN3a suppresses the methylation of BMPR2 and increased the expression of it. Thus, SIN3a can protect these cells against pathological changes that end to AH (Bisserier et al., 2021). Furthermore, previous studies demonstrated that hyper methylation of BMPR2 can oppress the proliferation of vascular cells which is crucial for developing and intensifying PAH. This finding make BMPR2 a proper candidate for being an effective epidrug and also a target for anti-AH therapeutic agents in near future (Napoli et al., 2019). In fact, SIN3a exerted its action by downregulating the expression of DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase 1) and EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2) and up-regulating the expression of the TET1 (ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1) (Bisserier et al., 2021). The other fascinating epigenetic factor that seems to be a potential future epidrug is hyper methylated ABCA1 (ATPbinding cassette 1). This microRNA blocks vascular cells in mitotic phase and prevent AH to become progressive (Napoli et al., 2019).
Notably, oxidative stress underlying PAH phenotype is formed by cooperation between hyper acetylation of cyclophilin a (CypA) with downregulation of antioxidant superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) (Napoli et al., 2019). On the other side, scientists have found out that some epigenetic modifications can worsen AH. For instance, the acetylation of H3K27ac (histone H3 lysine 27) by acetyl coenzyme A can create proper condition for the acetyltransferase KAT2B (lysine acetyltransferase 2B) and activation of genes that involve in cell cycle and metabolic events, that is, required for aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member 3 (ALDH1A3) - dependent proliferation and glycolysis. Finally, this activation leads to amplification of AH (Li D. et al., 2021) which we have displayed in Table 3.
Moreover, acetylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) causes sustaining the vascular proliferation in the condition of PAH through downregulation of SIRT1 HDAC (histone deacetylase) (Napoli et al., 2019).
Besides, scientists have found that there is a connection between pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in rat model and hyper methylation of RASEF. In this survey, the exposure of rats to smoking caused increase the level of hyper methylation in RASEF and occurrence of some changes including right ventricular hypertrophy, increasing the thickness right ventricular, and raising systolic blood pressure was observed. Notably, remarked research have conveyed that overespression of RASEF can inhibit AH through downregulation of phospho-AKT (Ser473), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Thereby, it is plausible that hyper methylation of RASEF exerts its role through upregulation of mentioned factors. Ultimately, this study endorsed the companionship between hyper methylation of RASEF and PAH (Li et al., 2019).
In brief, according to Table 3, DNA hyper methylation, hyper acetylation and DNA acetylation have been introduced as epigenetic factors in order to regulate gene expression in AH since 2018. As you can see in remarked table, epigenetic factors have a variety of effects in the process of pathology of AH. Interestingly, prior researches have demonstrated that post-translational modifications including hyper methylation and acetylation are known as a crucial factor for developing AH and also have diverse impacts on mentioned pathological condition (Friso et al., 2015). Thus, the results from our bibliometric analysis are confirmed by previous surveys.
4.3 MicroRNAs was one of the most studied MeSH keywords in studies in which the role of genetic factors in AH has studied
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that previous surveys have proved that they are expressed in AH and they can play a crucial part in the pathogenesis of AH (Synetos et al., 2013). These kinds of RNAs involve in various mechanisms that ends to effect on AH including participating in the functions of arterial endothelial cells which contain receiving mechanical stimuli and transform them into intracellular signals, inducing alteration of cellular structure and function. The other role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of AH is playing a remarkable role in regulation of leucocyte adhesion on the surface of endothelial cells, inflammatory processes, vasodilatory activities, and proliferation of endothelium. Besides, microRNAs can effect Nitric oxide (NO) dependent vasodilatation through adjusting the level of NO in human body, since upregulation of NO can lead to increase in blood pressure. The other impact of microRNA is involving in the regulation of the activity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) (Klimczak et al., 2017). VSMCs have the capability for adapting their phenotype based on current condition. In other words, when these cells were undergone vascular damage caused by high blood pressure, they turn from contractile cells to synthetic ones (Owens et al., 2004). Subsequently, they start to raise proliferation, migration, collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis, as well as deduct expression of contractility markers (Kawai-Kowase and Owens, 2007). Interestingly, microRNAs have the capability to adjust phenotype of VMSCs in the situations in which vascular damages are occurred by AH (Klimczak et al., 2017). As we mentioned in Table 4, some microRNAs including miR-15a-5p, miR-30a, miR-30d-5p, miR-328-3p, and miR-663 are responsible for making VSMCs to form proper phenotype during damaging process of AH. Furthermore, microRNAs contribute to the process of AH by interfering in the functions of sympathetic nervous system and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) (Klimczak et al., 2017). Although the studies about the roles of microRNAs in the sympathetic nervous system have been limited but some surveys have demonstrated these RNAs can link sympathetic nervous system with RAS and also have the ability to regulate renin mRNA (Jackson et al., 2013). On the other side, RAS which plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of AH, has the capability to effect various organs both directly and indirectly can modulate by 55 microRNA species through activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) (Velloso et al., 1996; Kemp et al., 2014). Ultimately, another function of microRNAs in the process of pathogenesis of AH in inhibiting inflammation by downregulation of IL6 (Wang et al., 2013). Figure 5 displays a whole paradigm of the various roles of microRNAs in the pathology of AH. Interestingly, our Network visualization displayed that a major number of early studies in the field of examining the genetic functions in AH have focused on miRNAs. Besides, some prior surveys have tried to utilize in silico studies in order to discover the role of miRNAs and their probable target genes that play a crucial role in AH. For example, in early studies, the role of circulating Let-7b on pulmonary hypertension was examined and its target genes were determined through in silico analysis (Guo et al., 2014). Moreover, other in silico surveys have demonstrated the effects of some gene polymorphisms that play a part in AH on the function of some miRNAs (Ya et al., 2015). Our study demonstrated that miRNAs can be an important element in the process of pathophysiology of AH. This is in line with other previous similar studies. On the other side, Table 4 demonstrates various classes of miRNAs and their detailed role in AH. As it is displayed in this table, miRNAs have various effects in AH. This result in line with the findings of prior surveys (Synetos et al., 2013).
FIGURE 5. Various effects of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of AH. Blue and red arrows represent the effects of microRNAs on mechanisms that involve in AH and the impacts of these mechanisms on AH, respectively.
4.4 Overlay visualization of the most frequent MeSH keywords in related field
According to our bibliometric analysis, all of the most frequent MeSH keywords in related field that are listed in Table 1 have been undergone various studies since 2019 (Figure 3). Besides, all of them have gained the attention of scientists that have vast activities in the field of AH. Thus, the result of overlay visualization in present survey confirms that scientists have been trying to elucidate the role of various genetic factors in the pathophysiology of AH (Figure 3).
4.5 MicroRNAs with the most binding affinity to genes that involve in AH
4.5.1 MicroRNA-7110-5p has the most binding affinity to 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1)
Prior studies have confirmed the role of microRNA-7110-5p in the patients with AH (Johnson et al., 2020). The exact role of this MicroRNA has not been revealed yet but early surveys have endorsed the existence of MicroRNA-7110-5p in patients with AH (Johnson et al., 2020). Moreover, our in silico examinations display the high binding affinity of mentioned microRNA to 11β-HSD1. The product of this gene is 11β-HSD1enzyme and this enzyme in accompanying with 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2) enzyme involve in cortisol regulation. The cortisol regulation is a vital factor in the adjustment of arterial hypertension because the excessive amount of cortisol is associated with HTN (Mo et al., 2022). This means that 11β-HSD1 worsens the condition of AH (Mo et al., 2022). Hence, this in silico finding shows that maybe the effects of microRNA-7110-5p on AH are exerted by its effect on remarked gene. Despite of this finding, more in-vitro and in-vivo studies are necessary to confirm mentioned in silico result.
4.5.2 MicroRNA-7110-5p has the most binding affinity to serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and D2-dopaminergic receptor (DRD2)
Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene in connected with 5-hydroxytryptamine and its transporter. These two mentioned factor contribute to the hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle and also vascular remodeling associated with PAH. Despite of that, the role of 5-HTT in some subtypes of PAH and also some ethnicities is still unknown (Jiao et al., 2019). But the stimulatory effects of 5-HTT on AH has been clarified by previous studies (Table 2).
Besides, a survey on 110 men from in the age range of 14–17-year old of Caucasian patients with EH demonstrated that the association of polymorphism −141C 1/D D2-dopaminergic receptor (DRD2) with the occurrence and intensity of AH (Kosovtseva et al., 2018). Briefly, prior researches have demonstrated that both 5-HTT and DRD2 can increase the possibility of occurrence of AH (Table 2). Moreover, our present work displayed the high affinity of microRNA-7110-5p to both mentioned receptor (Table 5). Thus, regarding to the uncertain effect of mentioned microRNA in the process of pathology of AH, this hypothesis is mentioned that microRNA-7110-5p may exert its effects on AH through 5-HTT and DRD2. Notably, more researches are highly necessary in order to prove this theory.
4.5.3 MiR-7110-3p has the most binding affinity to integrin subunit alpha 2I (ITGA2)
Genotyping of ITGA2 in 47 patients with AH demonstrated that the prevalence of C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes of ITGA2 gene among hypertensive patients was 38.3%, 48.9%, and 12.8%, respectively (Shishkina et al., 2019). This survey have also displayed that upregulation of ITGA2 can lead to increases in the amount of the risk of AH (Table 2). Besides, in silico analysis revealed the high tendency of mentioned microRNA to ITGA2. Therefore, this in silico finding may reveal some aspects of the role of MiR-7110-3p in the process of pathology of AH.
4.5.4 MicroRNA-663 has the most binding affinity to angiotensinogen II type 1 receptor (AGTR1)
Angiotensinogen II Type 1 Receptor (AGTR1) is well-known as predisposition factor of AH in Asian and Caucasian population. Moreover, AGTR1 plays an important role in Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosteron-System (RAAS). Some important functions of AGTR1 are mediation of the classical biological actions of angiotensin, activation of a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system, involving in natriuretic hormone function, sodium absorption dysfunctions, thickening of arterial walls, renal sodium reabsorption and retention. Furthermore, the expression of AGTR1 ends in the raise of the level of SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) (Wulandari et al., 2018).
This receptor was undergone in silico analysis and it was shown that microRNA miR-663a demonstrated a high affinity to this gene (Table 5). This microRNA has demonstrated ameliorative effect on AH before (Table 4). In fact, miR-663a participates in the process of inhibiting the vascular remodeling in normal pulmonary artery cells and oppressing the creation of pulmonary artery hypertension by inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) (Li P. et al., 2021). In conclusion, this in silico finding can be confirmed by previous studies.
4.5.5 MicroRNA-663 has the most binding affinity to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)
MicroRNA-663 demonstrated the highest affinity to ACE and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (Table 5). As mentioned before, this microRNA has exerted ameliorative effects on AH through inhibition of TGF-β, vascular remodeling in pulmonary arteries, ventricular hypertrophy, inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced PAMSCs proliferation, and also suppression on TGF-β1/smad2/3 signaling pathway (Table 4) (Zhu et al., 2020; Li P. et al., 2021). On the contrary, ACE and MTHFR gene increases the risk of AH (Table 2). The association of high blood pressure in two patients with the D variant of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been displayed before (Ya et al., 2019). Moreover, in a survey performed in 2019, 96 patients were undergone a research and it was demonstrated that the existence of D allele of the ACE gene may raise the risk for AH in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Marushchak et al., 2019a). Notably, MTHFR based hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has shown a synergic effect with AH which shows that MTHFR can be used as a useful marker in order to be a predictive factor for AH (Wang et al., 2015).
Thus, our in silico result about the affinity of mentioned microRNA to ACE and MTHFR represents the possibility of exerting the ameliorative effects of microRNA-663 by inhibiting the ACE gene but the necessity of more researches for proving this result is still exists.
4.5.6 MiR-328-3p has the most binding affinity to vitamin D receptor (VDR), sodium channel epithelial 1 subunit alpha (SCNN1A) and angiotensinogen (AGT)
The association between FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and susceptibility to AH is still under debate but FokI, a functional polymorphism of VDR, has had a remarkable correlation with the incidence of AH. Allele f of the VDR gene with remarked polymorphism was found to be associated with a remarkably lower occurrence of HT (Nunes et al., 2020).
SCNN1A has also undergone a survey in which the role of the rs11064153 variant of this gene in occurrence of AH was studied and carriage of the T/T genotype of the SCNN1A gene increased the likelihood of AH in patients. On the contrary, carrying allele C and the C/C SCNN1A genotype deducted the possibility of developing AH (Pokoeva et al., 2022).
Early surveys have also displayed that homozygous GG genotype for the AGT SNP rs699 is correlated with high AH especially with high levels of SBP (Sofronova SI. et al., 2019). In another study, the presence of Т allele of the AGT gene with increase the risk of AH in patients suffer from COPD (Marushchak et al., 2019b).
MiR-328-3p is known as a potential target of long noncoding RNA, LINC00963. This microRNA inhibited by remarked molecule and this inhibition results is intensifying of AH because the activation of MiR-328-3p ends in downregulation of the levels of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF-2) and Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in hypoxia-induced human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) (Yang et al., 2022).
In brief, the anti-AH effects of VDR and SCNN1A has been proved by prior researches before (Table 2). Besides, microRNA-328-3p showed the most binding affinity to these genes. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of mentioned microRNA on AH have been displayed before (Table 4). Thus, the in silico finding is in line with the anti-AH results of previous studies and it may show the probable anti-AH mechanism of remarked microRNA. AGT also increases the risk of AH (Table 2). The high affinity of microRNA-328-3p may represent that anti-AH influences of this microRNA may be exerted by its inhibitory tendency to remarked gene. On the other hand, more surveys are needed to validate mentioned in silico findings.
4.5.7 MiR-663 has the most binding affinity to other receptors that worsen AH
Apo lipoprotein E (APOE) (Rao et al., 2022), Angiotensinogen II Type 1 Receptor (AGTR1) (Wulandari et al., 2018), Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (Ya et al., 2019), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (Garakanidze et al., 2018), endothelin1 (EDN1) (Yang et al., 2021), ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) (Suzuki et al., 2018), Alpha-Adducin 1 (ADD1) (Yermolenko et al., 2021), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (Khlynova et al., 2020) and T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) (Abramova et al., 2020) involve in the AH process and the overexpression of them can cause amplification in AH.
Despite this, microRNA-663 attenuates the process of AH (Table 4). Moreover, our in silico finding about this microRNA and its high affinity to mentioned genes remark that this microRNA can exert its anti-AH activities through the inhibition of mentioned genes but more investigations are essential to prove this result.
4.5.8 MiR-663 has the most binding affinity to nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2)
MiR-663 demonstrated the most tendency to NOS2 which ameliorates AH. on the other side, early studies have shown that this microRNA decreases arterial blood pressure in patients as this microRNA has exerted suppressive effects on AH by inhibition of TGF-β and subsequently, oppression of TGF-β1/smad2/3 signaling, vascular remodeling (Zhu et al., 2020; Li et al., 2021). Furthermore, in a study performed on 91 Caucasian participants from Eastern Siberia, it was found out that rs2779249 and rs229718 polymorphism of the NOS2 gene were associated with AH (Alyabyeva et al., 2023). Thus, our mentioned in silico finding and the results of previous studies have shown the possibility of inhibitory effect of microRNA-663 on NOS2 in AH condition. Although, more examinations are highly essential in order to display and confirm this in silico result.
4.5.9 MiR-140-5p has the most binding affinity to hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α)
Under hypoxic situation, HIF1α is produced by endothelial cells and it is associated with AH. The expression of the AA genotype at rs12434438 in gene is in accompanying with intensity of AH (Takagi et al., 2020).
Moreover, PAH is one of significant sorts of AH and the major features of PAH are hyper proliferation of PASMCs and apoptosis resistance. Therefore, in previous researches, it was proved that overexpression of miR-140-5p inhibits pathogenesis of PAH through suppressing of the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic variation of PASMCs (Zhu et al., 2019).
Briefly, MiR-140-5p have had ameliorative influences on AH (Table 4). This microRNA demonstrated the most tendency to HIF1α (Table 5). This gene raises the amount of arterial hypertension and worsen it (Table 2). Thus, we can claim that according to previous surveys and our in silico finding, this microRNA may exert its inhibitory action through the suppression of mentioned gene. Hence, more examinations are necessary to validate this finding.
4.6 Final network of the effect of MicroRNA with the most binding affinity to genes that involve in AH
MicroRNAs have an important role in the process of AH. these molecules have gained the attention of scientists who works on AH (Table 1 and Figure 2). Despite this, the exact and detailed mechanisms of these molecules in pathophysiology of AH is still unclear and needs various in-vitro and in-vivo examinations (Johnson et al., 2020). Hence, in this study, we tried to elucidate a part of the role of recent discovered microRNAs that have shown remarkable impacts in the pathophysiology of AH in in silico condition (Table 5). Moreover, we demonstrated the possible network of the role of microRNAs with the most affinity to discovered genes that play a part in AH in Figure 6. Although the findings of present study may guide researchers to pay more attention to mentioned microRNAs and genes but more surveys need to be conducted in the future for revealing the detailed mechanisms of action of microRNAs in AH.
FIGURE 6. The network of action of microRNAs with the most tendency to genes that play a role in AH. MicroRNAs and genes are represented by green circles and light blue octagons, respectively. AH is located as an orange triangle in the center of figure.
5 Conclusion
According to our findings, genetic factors that involve in AH have been one of the most attractive fields that are studied by scientists in recent years. Besides, epigenetic factors, which have demonstrated different roles in pathology of AH, have attracted the attention of scientists as a novel therapeutic strategy in order to cure AH. Epigenetic alterations in some genes including ABCA1, BMPR2, CypA, H3K27, PGC-1α, RASEF, and SOCS3 hhave had some remarkable effect on AH and these genes can be a potential target to manufacture effective epidrugs.
Moreover, present survey demonstrated that microRNAs plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of AH and they show their in silico potential in order to play an important role in ameliorating and amplification of AH. On the other side, miR-7110-5p, miR-7110-3p, miR-663, miR-328-3p, and miR-140-5p has the most binding affinity to genes that are involve in AH and they may be used as precious agents for diagnosing and treating AH in future.
Author contributions
Conceptualization, RK, TV, AZ, and AT; Investigation, RK, AZ, NJ, RA, and AT; Methodology, AZ, NJ, AB, and AT; Project administration, NM, AK, and AT; Writing–original draft, AZ, HB, NM, RA, AK, and AB; Writing–review and editing, RK, TV, AZ, and AT. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.
Funding
This research is funded by the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan “National Program for the Introduction of Personalized and Preventive Medicine in the Republic of Kazakhstan (2021–2023)” (Grant Number OR12165486).
Conflict of interest
Authors AZ, NJ, HB, and AT were employed by the company PerciaVista R&D Co.
The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
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Keywords: arterial hypertension, epigenetic factors, genetic factors, miRNA, in silico analyses
Citation: Karabaeva RZ, Vochshenkova TA, Zare A, Jafari N, Baneshi H, Mussin NM, Albayev RK, Kaliyev AA, Baspakova A and Tamadon A (2023) Genetic and epigenetic factors of arterial hypertension: a bibliometric- and in-silico-based analyses. Front. Mol. Biosci. 10:1221337. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1221337
Received: 12 May 2023; Accepted: 21 September 2023;
Published: 12 October 2023.
Edited by:
Manisha Sachan, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, IndiaReviewed by:
Alka Singh, The University of Chicago, United StatesAmbak Kumar Rai, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, India
Copyright © 2023 Karabaeva, Vochshenkova, Zare, Jafari, Baneshi, Mussin, Albayev, Kaliyev, Baspakova and Tamadon. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Amin Tamadon, YW1pbnRhbWFkZG9uQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ==
†These authors share first authorship