Prospective analysis of traits related to 6-year change in sodium- lithium countertransport

Sodium-lithium countertransport (Na-Li CT) activity in red blood cells relates cross-sectionally and longitudinally to blood pressure and hypertension. Lifestyle and metabolic factors relate cross-sectionally to this sodium transporter. The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective analysis of 6-year Na-Li CT change and of traits related to Na-Li CT change. In 2183 participants in the Gubbio Population Study (972 men and 1211 women; baseline ages, 18 to 74 years), the following data collected at baseline and 6-year follow-up were analyzed: Na-Li CT; gender; age; body mass index (BMI); blood pressure; antihypertensive treatment; alcohol intake; smoking habits; urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio; and plasma cholesterol, glucose, uric acid, sodium, potassium, and triglycerides (measured only at follow-up). Six changes were defined as follow-up minus baseline values. Na-Li CT was higher at follow-up than at baseline in both genders (P<0.001). Baseline Na-Li CT; baseline and change values of BMI; and change values of alcohol intake, plasma potassium, and plasma glucose related to Na-Li CT change significantly and independently with control for other variables. Follow-up plasma triglyceride levels also related independently to Na-Li CT change. Coefficients were positive for BMI, alcohol intake, and plasma glucose and triglyceride levels and were negative for baseline Na-Li CT and plasma potassium levels. Baseline and change values of other variables did not relate significantly to Na-Li CT change. In conclusion, in prospective analyses, BMI, alcohol intake, plasma glucose, and lipids were directly related to Na-Li CT change; baseline Na-Li CT and plasma potassium levels were inversely related. The data support the concept that lifestyle and related metabolic factors influence Na-Li CT.