Association between a polymorphism in the G protein beta 3 subunit gene (GNB3) with arterial hypertension but not with myocardial infarction

Objective: A polymorphism at position 825(C-->T) of the G protein beta3 (GN B3) gene was found to be associated with enhanced transmembrane signalling as well as with rut increased prevalence of arterial hypertension. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the association of the GNB3 C825T allele status with arterial hypertension in a large population-based sample and its association with specific end organ damage, i.e. myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Individuals from a population-based sample (n=20 52) and patients suffering from premature MI (age at first MI less than or equal to 60 years, n=606) were studied by questionnaire as well as by physi cal examination and biochemical analyses. Results: In the population-based sample, the prevalence of arterial hypertension (blood pressure greater tha n or equal to 160/95 mmHg and/or antihypertensive medication) was higher in individuals with the TT genotype (41.8%) as compared to heterozygote indiv iduals (36.6%) or those with the CC genotype (32.75%) (P=0.02). This associ ation was predominantly found in men. Moreover, men without antihypertensiv e medication carrying the TT genotype shelved higher diastolic blood pressu re than those carrying the CC genotype (86.5 vs. 83.7 mmHg, P=0.04). Howeve r, the genotype distribution and the allele frequencies were similar in bot h, the population-based and the MI patient sample. Furthermore, neither the age at the time of MI nor the location of the MI were related to the genot ype distribution. Similarly, gender and age stratified analyses did not sho w any association of the GNB3 genotype and MI. Conclusions: In male individ uals from a large population-based sample, the T allele of the GNB3 polymor phism was associated with arterial hypertension. However, the effects of th e GNB3 825T allele on blood pressure were small and did not translate to a clinically relevant increase of risk for MI. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.