Renalase: Gene polymorphism and its association with hypertension in some diseases

Hypertension is a significant public health problem due to its high prevalence and association with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and thus the major cause of death in developed countries. Most of diabetes mellitus and hemodialysis patients are expected to have hypertension and of around 10% of pregnant women have hypertension, which increases preeclampsia; the most important medical problem that threatened the life of maternal and neonatal. Previous studies showed that genetic factors could play an important role in predicting hypertension. Recently, a novel soluble flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent amine oxidase, called renalase, found to decrease blood pressure by degrading catecholamines. It is secreted by the kidney and is found in the heart, small intestine, skeletal muscle, endothelium, and nervous system. Renalase polymorphism of the renalase gene may affect the renalase activity and increase susceptibility to some diseases. This review highlights the structure, function, polymorphisms of renalase, and its association with hypertension in hemodialysis, cardiovascular, preeclampsia, and diabetes mellitus patients. As a conclusion, the rs10887800, rs2576178, and rs2296545 renalase gene polymorphism could thus be a risk factor for hypertension.