X-chromosome and kidney function: evidence from a multi-trait genetic analysis of 908,697 individuals reveals sex-specific and sex-differential findings in genes regulated by androgen response elements.

X-chromosomal genetic variants are understudied but can yield valuable insights into sexually dimorphic human traits and diseases. We performed a sex-stratified cross-ancestry X-chromosome-wide association meta-analysis of seven kidney-related traits (n = 908,697), identifying 23 loci genome-wide significantly associated with two of the traits: 7 for uric acid and 16 for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), including four novel eGFR loci containing the functionally plausible prioritized genes ACSL4, CLDN2, TSPAN6 and the female-specific DRP2. Further, we identified five novel sex-interactions, comprising male-specific effects at FAM9B and AR/EDA2R, and three sex-differential findings with larger genetic effect sizes in males at DCAF12L1 and MST4 and larger effect sizes in females at HPRT1.

A catalog of genetic loci associated with kidney function from analyses of a million individuals.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is responsible for a public health burden with multi-systemic complications. Through trans-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and independent replication (n = 1,046,070), we identified 264 associated loci (166 new). Of these, 147 were likely to be relevant for kidney function on the basis of associations with the alternative kidney function marker blood urea nitrogen (n = 416,178).

Blood Pressure, Sodium Intake, and Hypertension Control: Lessons From the North Karelia Project.

From the very beginning of the North Karelia Project, prevention, detection, and control of hypertension were included as key aims in the project. An intensive hypertension prevention and control program was established in North Karelia in 1972 that included community-based activities to reduce blood pressure levels in the entire population, detect people with hypertension, improve their treatment, establish standard diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and to monitor blood pressure levels, control of hypertension, and the performance of the health care. After the first 5 years of the project, most of these activities were also implemented on the national level.

CKD Prevalence Varies across the European General Population.

CKD prevalence estimation is central to CKD management and prevention planning at the population level. This study estimated CKD prevalence in the European adult general population and investigated international variation in CKD prevalence by age, sex, and presence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. We collected data from 19 general-population studies from 13 European countries.

Methodology used in studies reporting chronic kidney disease prevalence: a systematic literature review.

Background: Many publications report the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. Comparisons across studies are hampered as CKD prevalence estimations are influenced by study population characteristics and laboratory methods.

Methods: For this systematic review, two researchers independently searched PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify all original research articles that were published between 1 January 2003 and 1 November 2014 reporting the prevalence of CKD in the European adult general population.

Comparison of the MDRD Study and the CKD-EPI Study equations in evaluating trends of estimated kidney function at population level: findings from the National FINRISK Study.

Background: There are no data comparing the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) Study equations in the evaluation of time-dependent trend of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the general population.

Methods: Changes in eGFR and in the association of eGFR with kidney disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors across age groups were estimated in two independent cross-sectional population surveys in Finland in 2002 and 2007 with 11 277 study participants, aged 25-74 years, using both the MDRD and the CKD-EPI equations.

Results: A trend towards decreasing eGFRs between the study years was observed using both equations, but the trend was more substantial when using the MDRD equation.

Trends in estimated kidney function: the FINRISK surveys.

We evaluated the temporary trend in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of subjects aged from 25 to 74 years between two cross-sectional population surveys in 2002 and in 2007. The mean eGFR across age-groups, the prevalences of eGFR categories, and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3–5 defined by eGFR\60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were defined in sex- and age-specific groups using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) Study equation.

Feasibility and antihypertensive effect of replacing regular salt with mineral salt -rich in magnesium and potassium- in subjects with mildly elevated blood pressure.

Background: High salt intake is linked to hypertension whereas a restriction of dietary salt lowers blood pressure (BP). Substituting potassium and/or magnesium salts for sodium chloride (NaCl) may enhance the feasibility of salt restriction and lower blood pressure beyond the sodium reduction alone. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and effect on blood pressure of replacing NaCl (Regular salt) with a novel mineral salt [50% sodium chloride and rich in potassium chloride (25%), magnesium ammonium potassium chloride, hydrate (25%)] (Smart Salt).

Prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension in Finland during 1982-2007.

Objectives: To assess the trends in prevalence and in control of hypertension in various parts of Finland during 1982-2007.

Methods: Three independent cross-sectional population surveys were conducted in 1982, 2002 and 2007 with age-stratified samples of men and women aged 25-64 years from the national population register. The total number of participants with complete blood pressure (BP) measurements was 16 775.

The effects of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension on future stroke incidence in a community-based population study in Finland.

Objective: To investigate whether there are differences in stroke risk among hypertensive men and women by awareness, treatment and blood pressure control status at baseline.

Methods: This was a prospective study with a median follow-up of 20 years including 22,836 men and 24,774 women aged 25-64 years. The participants were classified into five groups according to their blood pressure status.

The effects of lifestyle intervention for hypertension on low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To assess the effects of a lifestyle intervention for hypertension on low back pain.

Summary Of Background Data: According to prospective etiologic studies, a causal association exists between certain lifestyle factors and low back pain.

Trends in lifestyle factors affecting blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive Finns during 1982-2002.

Objective: To assess the trends in blood pressure (BP) affecting lifestyle factors in hypertensive and normotensive Finns from 1982 to 2002.

Design And Setting: Five independent cross-sectional population surveys conducted in 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002 in the provinces of North Karelia and Kuopio in eastern Finland and the region of Turku-Loimaa in southwestern Finland.

Participants: Stratified random samples of men and women aged 25-64 years were drawn from the national population register.

Trends in hypertension care in eastern and south-western Finland during 1982-2002.

Objective: To assess the trends in blood pressure (BP) levels and the control of hypertension in eastern and south-western Finland during 1982-2002.

Design: Five independent cross-sectional population surveys conducted in 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002.

Setting: The provinces of North Karelia and Kuopio in eastern Finland and the region of Turku-Loimaa in south-western Finland.

Different forms of physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors among 24-64-year-old men and women in Finland.

Background: There is convincing evidence that regular physical activity reduces risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among men. However, only a few studies have been conducted among women. Most previous studies have focused on the effects of leisure-time physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors, without considering the impact of occupational or commuting physical activity.

Low physical activity as a predictor for antihypertensive drug treatment in 25-64-year-old populations in eastern and south-western Finland.

Objective: To determine whether low leisure-time physical activity, occupational physical activity and commuting activity independently increase the risk of hypertension when adjusted for most risk factors for hypertension and for different forms of physical activity.

Design: Population-based prospective cohort study.

Setting: Eastern and south-western Finland.

An international comparative study of blood pressure in populations of European vs. African descent.

Background: The consistent finding of higher prevalence of hypertension in US blacks compared to whites has led to speculation that African-origin populations are particularly susceptible to this condition. Large surveys now provide new information on this issue.

Methods: Using a standardized analysis strategy we examined prevalence estimates for 8 white and 3 black populations (N = 85,000 participants).

Effects of lifestyle intervention on neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist symptoms.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine whether lifestyle intervention to control hypertension can affect neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist symptoms.

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 731 employees from 45 worksites were assigned for 12 months to lifestyle intervention in a rehabilitation center or to usual care provided by occupational or primary health care services. The participants had a systolic blood pressure of 140-179 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of 90-109 mm Hg, or antihypertensive drug treatment.

Hypertension prevalence and blood pressure levels in 6 European countries, Canada, and the United States.

Context: Geographic variations in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors have been recognized worldwide. However, little attention has been directed to potential differences in hypertension between Europe and North America.

Objective: To determine whether higher blood pressure (BP) levels and hypertension are more prevalent in Europe than in the United States and Canada.

Non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension in primary health care: a 2-year open randomized controlled trial of lifestyle intervention against hypertension in eastern Finland.

Objective: To assess whether lifestyle counselling is effective in non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension in primary health care.

Design: Open randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Ten municipal primary health care centres in eastern Finland.

The effect of intensified diet counseling on the diet of hypertensive subjects in primary health care: a 2-year open randomized controlled trial of lifestyle intervention against hypertension in eastern Finland.

Background: Diet is an essential part of the nonpharmacological management of hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate in a primary health care setting the effect of intensified diet counseling on the diet of hypertensive subjects.

Methods: A total of 715 free-living subjects, ages 25-74 years, with systolic blood pressure 140-179 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure 90-109 mm Hg and/or drug treatment for hypertension participated in an open randomized trial with a 2-year follow-up at health centers in eastern Finland.