Plasma catecholamine release-inhibitory peptide catestatin in patients with essential hypertension.

Background: Catestatin plays an important role in the adjustment of blood pressure and cardiac function. We investigated levels of plasma catestatin in essential hypertension and the relationship between catestatin and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Methods: Plasma was collected from 136 patients with essential hypertension and 61 healthy controls. Plasma catestatin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma norepinephrine was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. All patients underwent echocardiography, measurement of fasting blood glucose, body mass index (BMI) and lipid levels.

Results: Plasma levels of catestatin and norepinephrine were significantly higher in patients with essential hypertension than in normal controls (both P<0.01). The ratio of catestatin to norepinephrine was significantly lower in patients with essential hypertension than in normal controls (P<0.01). In patients with essential hypertension, plasma norepinephrine level was significantly higher in patients with than without left ventricular hypertrophy (P<0.01). Plasma catestatin level was lower, but not significantly, in patients with than without left ventricular hypertrophy. The ratio of catestatin to norepinephrine was significantly lower in patients with than without left ventricular hypertrophy (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Plasma catestatin is elevated in patients with essential hypertension. The ratio of catestatin to norepinephrine was lower in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. Catestatin might participate in the development of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.