Polymorphisms in ß-adrenergic receptors are associated with increased risk to have a positive head-up tilt table test in patients with vasovagal syncope

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a frequent clinical condition in which a genetic background seems to be implicated. Considering that the adrenergic receptors (ARs) may play a role in VVS, the present study has as principal aim to determine if the α- and β-AR (ADRA and ADRB) gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk to have a positive head-up tilt table (HUTT) test in patients with VVS. Methods: Nine polymorphisms in the ADRA1A (rs1048101, rs1383914, rs574584, and rs573542), ADRB1 (rs1801252 and rs1801253), ADRB2 (rs1042713 and rs1042714), and ADRB3 (rs4994) genes were analyzed using the 5’ exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assay in a group of 134 patients with VVS. Results Under different models, the rs1801252 (OR = 8.63, 95% CI 0.95-78.72, Precessive = 0.02), rs1042713 (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.02-3.66, Padditive = 0.04), and rs4994 (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.01-6.01, Pdominant = 0.042 and OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.04-6.63, Pover-dominant = 0.03) polymorphisms were associated with increased risk for a positive HUTT. All models were adjusted for statistically significant covariates. Conclusion These results suggest that some polymorphisms of the β-AR genes could contribute to a positive tilt test in patients with VVS.