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TWIST1

The Wnt Signalling Pathway in High Blood Pressure (TWIST1)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on January 18th, 2021

TWIST1 encodes a target of the Wnt signalling pathway. How does this pathway increase blood pressure? Read on to learn more.

Summary

TWIST1 encodes twist family bHLH transcription factor 1. Variants of TWIST1 may play a role in high blood pressure by increasing Wnt signalling activity. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by decreasing Wnt signalling.

TWIST1 and Blood Pressure

The TWIST1 gene encodes a protein called twist family bHLH transcription factor 1. This protein helps determine what types of cells will be formed during early development and differentiation. It is most active during the growth of the embryo and fetus; in adults, it is believed to play a role in the growth and maintenance of bone [R].

TWIST1 is a target of the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway, which helps transport signal molecules across the cell membrane and into the cell. Wnt is essential for cell movement and differentiation during early development; excessive Wnt signalling activity has also been implicated in many types of cancer [R, R, R, R].

Wnt signalling may also increase blood pressure. According to one review, Wnt increases the strength of contraction of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, increasing blood pressure that way [R].

TWIST1 encodes twist family bHLH transcription factor 1, a target of the Wnt signalling pathway. Wnt increases blood pressure by contracting the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls.

Your TWIST1 Results for Blood Pressure

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs2107595

TWIST1 rs2107595 [R, R]

‘G’ = Associated with relatively lower blood pressure
‘A’ = Associated with relatively higher blood pressure
The ‘A’ allele may increase Wnt signalling, leading to increased contraction of

Recommendations

Acupuncture

Some forms of acupuncture may regulate the Wnt signalling pathway, though this effect has only been demonstrated in animals so far [R, R].

Acupuncture has been suggested to help with high blood pressure in several trials. However, the authors of the different meta-analysis warned that acupuncture was only effective as an add-on to conventional therapy and pointed out the low quality, high heterogeneity, and lack of long-term effects observed in most studies [R, R, R, R].

Acupuncture may decrease blood pressure through the Wnt signalling pathway, but the evidence is limited and of low quality.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a popular anti-inflammatory diet rich in active polyphenols from fruits and vegetables. These include quercetin, resveratrol, and sulforaphane, each of which has been shown to inhibit Wnt signalling [R].

A meta-analysis of 30 clinical trials found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet helps prevent heart disease by lowering systolic (by ~3 mmHg) and diastolic (by ~2 mmHg) blood pressure in people with normal values. In those with hypertension, this diet lowered systolic blood pressure by 1.44 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 0.7 mmHg [R, R].

When compared to other diets, the Mediterranean diet is especially effective at lowering diastolic blood pressure. A meta-analysis found it only effective for this purpose, while another one ranked it 3rd in terms of diastolic pressure-lowering effect (after the DASH and Paleolithic diets) [R, R].

The Mediterranean diet is rich in polyphenols that have been found to block Wnt signalling and reduce blood pressure.

Green Tea

EGCG, the main active compound in green tea, has been found to decrease Wnt signalling [R, R].

Four meta-analyses found that drinking at least one cup of green tea per day lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure by ~2.5 mmHg each [R, R, R].

EGCG is also available as a supplement.

EGCG from green tea may block Wnt signalling and reduce blood pressure.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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The Wnt Signalling Pathway in High Blood Pressure (TWIST1)

Summary

TWIST1 and Blood Pressure

Your TWIST1 Results for Blood Pressure

SNP Table

Recommendations

Acupuncture

Mediterranean Diet

Green Tea

Disclaimer

More heart & blood vessels blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Limited time offer 25% off

Ultimate Bundle

Policies

About

Navigation

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