Effects of ACE I/D and AT1R-A1166C polymorphisms on blood pressure in a healthy normotensive primary care population: first results of the Hippocates study

L.H.G. Henskens, W. Spiering, H.E.J.H. Stoffers, F.L.M. Soomers, R.F.M. Vlietinck, P.W. de Leeuw*, A.A. Kroon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Effects of ACE I/D and AT1R-A1166C polymorphisms on blood pressure in a healthy normotensive primary care population: first results of the Hippocates study.

Henskens LH, Spiering W, Stoffers HE, Soomers FL, Vlietinck RF, de Leeuw PW, Kroon AA.

Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University Hospital, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have assessed the relationship between the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D or angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R)-A C polymorphisms and blood pressure (BP). Since most data have been obtained in selected populations, the present study was performed in a healthy normotensive primary care population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the individual effects of the aforementioned polymorphisms and their interaction on BP. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 198 healthy subjects. Office BP was measured and polymorphisms were genotyped (polymerase chain reaction). Polymorphism interaction was tested using the following model: systolic blood pressure (SBP) (or diastolic blood pressure, DBP) = b(0)+ b(1)X + b(2)Y + b(3)XY, in which X and Y represent the polymorphisms' risk alleles. RESULTS: The ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with SBP (P = 0.002) and DBP (P = 0.004); highest pressures tracked with the DD genotype. Furthermore, in multiple linear regression analysis the ACE D allele was associated with SBP (P = 0.005) and DBP (P = 0.001), when adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and age. With respect to the AT(1)R-A C polymorphism, SBP was highest in the CC genotype (P = 0.025). In linear regression analysis the C allele was not associated with SBP. No synergistic effect of ACE D and AT(1)R C alleles on BP was found. Nevertheless, highest DBP tracked with the DDCC combination in comparison with other homozygous allele combinations (P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed an association of ACE I/D and AT(1)R-A C polymorphisms with BP in a healthy normotensive primary care population. Although synergistic effect of both polymorphisms on BP does not seem to be present, an additive effect on DBP is likely.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)81-86
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Hypertension
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2003

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