Chinese scientists have developed a new rapid-detection mechanism that could pave the way for more personalized treatment for high blood pressure patients. Millions of people worldwide still fail to achieve effective blood pressure control, although there are drugs that can control hypertension, a key risk factor for heart diseases. However, the new mechanism, developed by researchers from the Institute of Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, could change that.
The researchers modified a commonly-used fluorescent detection technique to detect 10 gene variants called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with hypertension. The test used a simple design through which two SNPs can be detected with one reaction. The mechanism was applied retrospectively to 150 blood samples from hospitalized patients with hypertension in China, and it successfully detected several disease-linked SNPs.
In a week-long clinical trial involving 100 patients with hypertension, the researchers applied the technique and used the test results to personalize medication choices for 50 percent of the participants based on drug class-associated risks. Compared with those who received standard hypertension therapy, the precision medicine group achieved better blood pressure control in less time, decreasing from 5.82 days to 4.06 days.
The researchers believe that this system could be applied to maximize the efficacy of hypertension medication and reduce rates of uncontrolled hypertension. This scientific breakthrough can pave the way for more personalized treatment in the future, offering hope to millions of patients who struggle with high blood pressure.
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