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[Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism and hypertension]
M Yasujima1, S Tsutaya, M Shoji
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hirosaki University School of Medicine.
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|January 23, 1999
Summary
The endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) Glu298Asp gene variant is linked to hypertension. This finding suggests eNOS gene variations may contribute to the genetic risk of developing high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Context:
- Nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial cells, is a key vasodilator regulating blood pressure and flow.
- Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms are associated with cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.
- The link between eNOS gene polymorphisms and hypertension remains debated, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between specific eNOS gene polymorphisms and hypertension in a Japanese population.
- To analyze the genotypes of the Glu298Asp missense variant and the eNOS 4b/4a tandem repeat polymorphism in hypertensive and normotensive individuals.
Summary:
- Genotyping of 166 hypertensive and 174 normotensive individuals identified the Glu298Asp variant.
- The 298Asp variant showed a significant correlation with hypertension (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2).
- Allelic frequencies of 298Asp were significantly higher in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive subjects (0.136 vs 0.083, p < 0.05), while eNOS 4b/4a showed no significant difference.
Impact:
- The Glu298Asp polymorphism in the eNOS gene may represent a genetic susceptibility factor for hypertension.
- These findings contribute to understanding the genetic underpinnings of hypertension.
- Further research could explore therapeutic strategies targeting NO pathways in hypertensive individuals.