Genetic aspects of the regulation of endothelial function in patients withessential hypertension

Epidemiological studies suggest that in general population approximately 20 -40% of blood pressure variation can be attributed to genetic loci. Essenti al hypertension is one of the multifactorial diseases. For elucidating the genetic causes of hypertension candidate gene studies are usually used. The product of the gene candidate (protein, enzyme) showed be involved to path ogenesis of the disease. The aim of our review is to summarize data about g ene candidate associated with endothelial regulation of the vascular tone. We present study of the angiotensinogen gene, angiotensin-converting enzyme gene, angiotensin receptor type 1 gene, nitric oxide synthase gene and end othelin-1 and endothelin-1 receptor genes.