American researchers have identified a gene variant, which affects the way the kidneys process salt, thus in turn affects blood pressure, according to media reports Tuesday quoting the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers identified the role in high blood pressure susceptibility by analyzing the genes of 542 people in the insular Old Order Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The group is ideal for such studies because its members are relatively isolated and share a similar rural lifestyle and diet.

They found a strong association between a particular version of the gene STK39 and an increased risk of hypertension.

People with a common variant of the gene STK39 tend to have higher blood pressure levels and are more likely to develop full-blown high blood pressure, also called hypertension, researchers found.

The gene produces a protein involved in regulating the way the kidneys process salt in the body -- a key factor in determining blood pressure.

People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and kidney disease.

Yen-Pei Christy Chang, the lead researcher, said the findings could lead to the development of new high blood pressure drugs targeting the activity of STK39.

However, noting there are so many other factors influencing blood pressure, Chang added, "The STK39 gene is only one important piece of the puzzle. We want to determine how people with different variations of this gene respond to medications, or to lifestyle changes, such as reducing the amount of salt in their diet."

(Agencies via Xinhua December 30, 2008)