MR Antagonist and LSD1

Lysine specific demethylase-1 (LSD1) is an epigenetic regulator of gene transcription involved in the pathophysiology of elevated blood pressure and likely renal damage in Blacks. This project investigates whether a genetically driven anti-hypertensive approach proves superior in controlling blood pressure and mitigating renal injury in Blacks who carry the risk allele for LSD1 (rs587168). The findings of these investigations may lead to a new approach in treating a subset (\~30%) of the essential hypertension population (Black LSD1 risk allele hypertensives).

Inclusion Criteria: * untreated as well as currently treated hypertensives * rs587168 allele carriers * not on more than two anti-hypertensives * normal renal, metabolic, electrolyte, and CBC laboratory tests * self-identified Black race * age \>17 yrs. Exclusion Criteria: * known cardiac disease other than HTN * renal, circulatory or neurologic diseases * diabetes * smoking * secondary HTN as indicated by history, physical examination or screening blood and urine tests * smoking * any drug therapy, except for anti-hypertensives and stable thyroid medication replacement