Coronary heart disease, hypertension, and angiotensinogen gene variants in Indian population

Gene encoding components of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) have been implicated with the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Two variants of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, M235T and T174M, have been shown to be associated with increased risk of hypertension. In the present study, we examined the association of these two polymorphisms and their synergistic interaction with the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) deletion homozygote genotype (D/D) on subjects with coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension. We studied 131 healthy individuals, 141 angiographically verified CHD patients, and 159 hypertensive subjects. The identification of the ACE and AGT gene polymorphisms was carried out using a PCR-based restriction endonuclease digestion method. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the M235T and T174M variants between the two test groups and the control group. Association was also not seen when analysis was carried out in patients when subgrouped according to the extent of the severity of the disease. In addition, the risk was not restricted to subjects carrying the D allele of the ACE gene and T235T of AGT. M235T and T174M variants do not contribute to the increased risk of CHD or hypertension in the Indian population.