Role of β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism in overactive bladder

Women with overactive bladder (OAB) have a higher frequency of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 64 of the β-3 adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3). Since the SNP results in an amino acid substitution that could theoretically alter receptor protein function, we hypothesized that those with the SNP would display greater OAB symptom severity. Therefore we aimed to compare OAB severity between women with this SNP and women with the wild type genotype.

A retrospective cohort study was performed in women with bothersome OAB from two academic institutions. Banked blood samples were tested for the codon 64 SNP. Women were divided into two groups based on genotype: wild-type (WT) and heterozygous (HZ). We compared mean OAB Symptom Severity questionnaire (OAB-q) scores between groups using t tests. Linear regression was performed to control for potential confounders.

Of the 303 women with OAB, 254 (83.8%) had the WT genotype, and 49 (16.2%) the HZ genotype. There were no homozygous women for the rare allele. The majority were Caucasian (86%) and non-Hispanic (97%). There were no significant differences in mean OAB-q symptom severity scores (WT 21.2 ± 7 vs HZ 22.0 ± 6.6; P = 0.49) and quality of life scores (WT 39.6 ± 15.5 vs HZ 39.1 ± 16.6; P = 0.83) between groups. These remained nonsignificant in a linear regression model.

In a predominantly non-Hispanic, Caucasian population of women with bothersome OAB, symptom severity was not related to ADRB3 codon 64 SNP genotype.