The Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor gene is associated with hypertension in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

A missense mutation of the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3) resulti ng in a tryptophan/arginine exchange at position 64 (Trp64Arg polymorphism) has recently been associated with greater capacity to gain weight, a low r esting metabolic rate, higher blood pressure, and an early onset of type 2 diabetes. These findings prompted us to examine the relationship between th is mutation, blood pressure, and vascular complications in German patients with type 2 diabetes. White patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 417) were enrolled in the study. The Trp64Arg polymorphism of the ADRB3 gene was detected by polymer ase chain amplification and subsequent restriction digest with BstN I. Step wise logistic regression analysis of the entire study population revealed a significant interaction between gender and genotype (P = .019). We therefo re performed separate analyses for men and women. There was a significant r elationship between hypertension and the ADRB3 Trp64Arg variant in men (P = .015), but not in women. Furthermore, blood pressure levels in male patien ts with the minor allele had higher blood pressure levels (P < .05), despit e a significantly greater number of antihypertensive medications (P = .01). There was no association between ADRB3 genotype and vascular complications in these patients. In conclusion, our data are compatible with a contribution of this genetic variant of ADRB3 to hypertension in male patients with type 2 diabetes. Fur ther studies will be needed to determine the role of this polymorphism as a predictor of hypertension or vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am J Hypertens 2000;13:1027-1031 (C) 2000 American Journal of H ypertension, Ltd.