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Association between iris constitution and apolipoprotein e gene polymorphism in hypertensives
Jae-Young Um1, Chung-Yeon Hwang, Woo-Jun Hwang
1Department of Pharmacology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoigi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|January 28, 2005
Summary
A neurogenic iris constitution may increase hypertension risk, especially for those with specific apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene variants. This study links iris patterns to hypertension and genetic factors.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Iridology, a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice, analyzes iris pigmentation for disease diagnosis.
- Iris constitution shows strong familial aggregation, suggesting a role for heredity.
- Apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism is a known genetic marker for vascular diseases like hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between iris constitution and apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism in individuals with hypertension.
- To explore potential genetic links between iris patterns and hypertension susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Classified 87 hypertensive patients and 79 controls based on iris constitution.
- Determined the apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype for all participants.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of neurogenic constitutions was observed in the hypertensive group compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- A neurogenic constitution was associated with an increased relative risk of hypertension in individuals carrying the apoE epsilon2 or epsilon4 allele (OR = 2.633, p = 0.049).
Conclusions:
- A neurogenic iris constitution appears to enhance the risk of hypertension in individuals with specific apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene alleles (epsilon2 or epsilon4).
- The study suggests a potential association between iris constitutional medicine and hypertension, warranting further investigation.