Coexistence of Hypertension and Antinuclear Antibodies: High Blood Pressure as a Potential Risk Factor for Autoimmunity

Aim: There is strong evidence for bidirectional causality between hypertension (HT) and autoimmune diseases. Although the exact mechanisms and mediators are not well understood, autoantibodies like antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) may play a critical role. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of ANAs (anti-dsDNA, anti-ENA, anti-Hep-2 nucleus) in hypertensive patients and compare it with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively, with HT status determined based on participants' self-reports in alignment with prior diagnoses. It involved hypertensive patients (n=32; 7 men, 25 women; age 48.9 ± 6.6) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=32; 7 men, 25 women; age 48.0 ± 5.2), both of whom were assessed for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). Individuals with chronic conditions known to induce autoantibody production, such as autoimmune diseases, were excluded from the study. ANAs, including anti-dsDNA, anti-ENA, and anti-Hep-2 nucleus antibodies, were measured using ELISA kits. Results: The body mass index (BMI) and ages of the groups were found to be comparable (p > .05). The mean ANA levels (index) and positivity rates (%) for the groups were as follows: dsDNA [0.83 (28.1%) vs. 1.23 (59.4%)]; ENA [0.75 (21.9%) vs. 1.48 (46.9%)]; and Hep-2 nucleus [0.87 (18.8%) vs. 1.12 (43.8%)], for the healthy and hypertensive groups, respectively. In all three ANA tests, the hypertensive group showed significantly higher ANA levels and positivity rates compared to the control group (p < .05). Conclusion: The results showed ANA formation in half of hypertensive patients, suggesting an increased risk of autoimmunity in this group. Given the bidirectional relationship between HT and autoantibody formation, both HT's role in autoantibody development and the impact of pre-existing autoimmunity on HT should be considered. Understanding the mechanisms and causality of this relationship could offer new insights into therapeutic approaches.