The aromatase inhibitor anastrozole blocks the conversion of androgens to estrogen and blunts pulmonary hypertension in animals, but its efficacy in treating patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is unknown.
However, CYP19A1 TT genotype contributed to hypertension at an OR 1.80 (95% CI 1.12-2.91), independently of age, BMI and other confounders, in males alone.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the gene encoding aromatase, CYP19A1, as an independent risk factor for hypertension and its relationship with systolic and diastolic BP measures.
We suggest that an S/JR 19-nor-DOC is involved in the development of salt-sensitivity and hypertension and that inhibition of its formation by acetylenic DOC and other aromatase and non-aromatase inhibitors is associated with reversal of these phenomena.