Lack of association of the renin-angiotensin system genes polymorphisms and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine if there is an ass ociation of different gene polymorphisms of renin-angiotensin system and le ft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with essential hypertension (E H) in St Petersburg population. Patients and methods: We examined 156 patie nts (the mean age 49 +/- 8 years) with mild-to-moderate EH recruited from t he general population of the outpatient clinic. Left ventricular mass was m easured by echocardiography and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calc ulated. Subjects were genotyped for I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-con verting enzyme (ACE) gene, A1166C polymorphism of the AT1 receptor gene, M2 35T polymorphism of angiotensinogen gene and -6G/A polymorphism of its prom oter region. Results: Genotype distribution of the sample obeyed Hardy-Wein berg equilibrium and was comparable to that reported previously for hyperte nsive individuals. Groups of patients with II, ID and DD polymorphism of AC E gene did not differ significantly in their LVMI levels. Furthermore, neit her ID ACE-gene polymorphism nor AT1-receptor gene and angiotensinogen gene polymorphism was associated with LVH. Additionally, no any significant gen e-gene interactions were found to be associated with LVH in the group studi ed. Conclusions: In the light of these observations it seems reasonable to make a preliminary conclusion about lack of association between LVH and dis tinct polymorphisms of renin-angiotensin system genes in the population stu died.