Seven lessons from two candidate genes in human essential hypertension - Angiotensinogen and epithelial sodium channel

The candidate gene approach to understanding the genetics of human essentia l hypertension is discussed by analyzing the contribution of 2 genes, angio tensinogen (AGT) and epithelial amiloride-sensitive sodium channel (ENaC). From a large series of studies conducted in humans and animals, it appears that the AGT gene plays a significant but modest role in human blood pressu re variance. Mutations of the beta- and gamma-ENaC subunits are responsible for Liddle's syndrome, but the implication of the 3 ENaC subunits in essen tial hypertension is still questionable. Several lessons can be learned fro m these studies and applied to other candidate genes in essential hypertens ion: (1) Many Linkage or association studies have a limited statistical pow er; (2) The genetic findings may vary greatly according to the populations studied; (3) There is a need for better phenotyping of the hypertensive pop ulation; (4) The causal relationship between molecular variants and hyperte nsion is and will be difficult to establish firmly; (5) The contribution of genetic studied in rodents to the molecular genetics of human hypertension must be re-examined; (6) Most molecular variants lead to a low attributabl e risk in the population or a low individual effect at the individual level ; and (7) It is too early to propose dietary recommendations and specific d rug treatment according to patients' genotypes.