Expression of Genes Relating Hypertension and Efficacy of 4-7-8 Breathing Control on Reducing Blood Pressure

Burapha University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Breathing, Mouth; Genetic Predisposition to Disease

Treatments: Other: Study 2: deep breathing; Other: Study 2: 4-7-8 breathing; Other: Study 2: slow breathing with device

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07018128

IRB1-046/2568

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study consists of two sub-studies. Study 1 investigates gene expression related to the development of hypertension in Thailand, and Study 2 examines the effectiveness of the 4-7-8 breathing technique in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

Full description

In Study 1, the sample group includes 200 individuals aged 18-59 years, originating from various regions of Thailand but currently residing in the eastern region. Participants may have normal blood pressure, high blood pressure, or have been diagnosed with hypertension. Blood samples from the participants will be analyzed for the following variables: 1) expression of five genes-adrenomedullin (ADM), angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), proto-oncogene c-Fos (FOS), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and ubiquitin specific peptidase 8 (USP8), and 2) markers of inflammation-tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma levels in the blood.

In Study 2, the sample group includes 75 volunteers from Study 1 who are interested in participating. These volunteers will be randomly assigned into three groups of 25 people each. The first group is a control group whose participants will not receive any breathing training. The second group will practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds-this constitutes one cycle. They will repeat this for 6 cycles per set, three sets per day, with normal breathing between sets. The third group will practice deep diaphragmatic breathing at a rate of 6-10 breaths per minute for 15 minutes, twice a day. Participants in both the second and third groups are required to follow their assigned breathing programs daily for three consecutive months. At the end of the three months, all participants will be assessed on the same variables measured before the intervention: 1) systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, 2) blood pressure variability, and 3) inflammation markers, specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma levels in the blood.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 59 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Study 1:

1. Group of individuals with hypertension

   Inclusion Criteria:

   • Male or female
   • Aged between 18-59 years
   • Of Thai ethnicity
   • Diagnosed with hypertension, defined as having an SBP of 140 mmHg or higher, or a DBP of 90 mmHg or higher, or having previously been diagnosed with hypertension and currently taking antihypertensive medication
   • Originally from various regions of Thailand and currently residing in the eastern region

   Exclusion Criteria:

   • Has heart disease, such as valvular stenosis or regurgitation, coronary artery disease, or heart failure
   • Has obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher
   • Has a fever or is currently experiencing an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, the flu, or other infections

2. Group of individuals with normal blood pressure

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female
• Aged between 18-59 years
• Of Thai ethnicity
• Does not have hypertension, defined as having an SBP below 130 mmHg and a DBP below 85 mmHg, with no prior diagnosis of hypertension and no history of taking antihypertensive medication
• Originally from various regions of Thailand and currently residing in the eastern region

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has heart disease, such as valvular stenosis or regurgitation, coronary artery disease, or heart failure
• Has obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher
• Has a fever or is currently experiencing an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, the flu, or other infections

Study 2:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female, aged 35-59 years
• Diagnosed with hypertension, with blood pressure levels above the normal range, defined as SBP of 130 mmHg or higher, or DBP of 85 mmHg or higher, and currently taking medication
• Originally from various regions of Thailand and currently residing in the eastern region
• Able to communicate effectively

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, kidney disease, cancer, or immune-related conditions such as allergies, autoimmune diseases (e.g., SLE), immunodeficiency, or rheumatoid arthritis
• Is obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher
• Has a fever or is currently infected, such as with COVID-19, the flu, or other infectious diseases
• Is currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a history of pregnancy within the 6 months prior to participating in the study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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200 participants in 4 patient groups

Study 2: control group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants will not receive any breathing training.

Study 2: deep breathing

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will practice deep diaphragmatic breathing at a rate of 6-10 breaths per minute for 15 minutes, twice a day. Participants are required to follow their assigned breathing programs daily for three consecutive months.

Treatment:

Other: Study 2: deep breathing

Study 2: 4-7-8 breathing

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds-this constitutes one cycle. They will repeat this for 6 cycles per set, three sets per day, with normal breathing between sets. Participants are required to follow their assigned breathing programs daily for three consecutive months.

Treatment:

Other: Study 2: 4-7-8 breathing

Study 2: slow breathing with device

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will practice deep breathing using a resistance-based breathing device called "BreathMax" which provides water pressure resistance set at 25% of their maximum inspiratory capacity. The breathing rate will be set at 6 breaths per minute, continued for 15 minutes per session, twice daily. Participants are required to follow their assigned breathing programs daily for three consecutive months.

Treatment:

Other: Study 2: slow breathing with device