Association of TNF-alpha with Blood Pressure Levels in Prehypertensive Adults in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have reported vascular inflammation in hypertension, which mediates its complications. However, studies’ regarding vascular inflammation in prehypertensives has been neglected. Aim: Our study aims at investigating vascular inflammation using tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in prehypertensive individuals. Materials and Methods: This case-control study comprised of 70 randomly selected male and female patients aged 18-55 years, who were attending general health, check up at a tertiary hospital. The biochemical and anthropometric parameters of 35 prehypertensives were compared with 35 normotensive control group. Results: Prehypertensives (systolic blood pressure [SBP] 130.91±8.70; diastolic BP 83.17±5.86) had significant (P˂.002), elevated TNF-α level compared to anthropometrically matched normotensives (SBP 111.03±6.89; DBP 70.40±3.87). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the levels of lipids between the two study groups. A significant positive correlation was observed between; TNF-α and SBP (r=.387, P=.022), TNF-α and DBP (r=.381, P=.024) in the prehypertensive group. There was no significant correlation (P>0.05) between; TNF-α and plasma lipids, TNF-α and body mass index, TNF-α and waist circumference in the prehypertensive group. Conclusion: Our study observes a positive association of TNF-α with blood pressure in prehypertensives. It is indicative that prehypertension predisposes individuals to mild chronic inflammation.