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Association between a dopamine-4 receptor polymorphism and blood pressure
Srijan Sen1, Randolph Nesse, Li Sheng
1Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA.
American Journal of Hypertension
|September 27, 2005
Summary
The long variant of the dopamine-4 receptor (DRD4) gene is linked to higher blood pressure in white individuals. This genetic association suggests a role for DRD4 in hypertension susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dopamine receptor genes are implicated in hypertension susceptibility.
- Defective renal dopamine receptor signaling may contribute to hypertension.
- Dopamine-4 receptors in the kidney influence sodium and water metabolism, affecting blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dopamine-4 receptor (DRD4) gene polymorphisms and blood pressure.
- To explore the relationship between DRD4 variants and hypertension risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 864 white subjects (479 female, 385 male) for the DRD4 repeat polymorphism.
- Classification of subjects into long or short DRD4 genotypes.
Main Results:
- The DRD4 long allele was associated with increased systolic blood pressure (P = .031) and diastolic blood pressure (P = .034).
- A significant interaction between DRD4 alleles and age was observed for systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, with effects increasing with age.
- The DRD4 long allele was also associated with regular alcohol use (P = .008).
Conclusions:
- In a white population, the long DRD4 gene variant is associated with a 3-mm Hg higher systolic and 2-mm Hg higher diastolic blood pressure.
- These findings suggest that DRD4 gene variants may influence blood pressure regulation and hypertension risk.