Genetically determined sensitivity to salt – a pilot study in a Bulgarian population

Excess sodium consumption leads to an increase in blood pressure and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this pilot study is to determine the significance of the genetic variant rs10177833 in the sodium bicarbonate co-transporter gene SLC4A5 and to assess the potential of this single nucleotide polymorphism as a molecular-genetic marker for salt sensitivity in the Bulgarian population. DNA from each volunteer was isolated using the ready-to-use Universal Genomic DNA Purification Kit and genotyped for rs10177833 (A>C) in the SLC4A5 gene by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay. Urinary sodium concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results show that 97% of all volunteers were successfully genotyped and that urinary sodium excretion was determined. Fifty-one percent of the participants had the AA genotype, 37% were heterozygous, and 11% were carriers of two polymorphic C alleles. A statistically significant relationship was found between genotype, urinary sodium excretion, and increased blood pressure.