The Effects of the beta2-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Polymorphism on the Risk of Essential Hypertension

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Considering the physiological importance of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene, "functional" molecular variations of the gene might cause attenuated vasodilatation, leading to increased total peripheral resistance and; hence, ultimately result in hypertension. Significant evidence has been provided for the pathophysiological involvement of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) in hypertension. The genetic variation of the ADRB2 gene, to see if there might be any relationship to essential hypertension, was investigated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One ADRB2 gene polymorphism, Arg16Gly (Arg->Gly variant), was investigated in this study. The genotypes of Arg16Gly in 318 hypertensive patients and 309 normotensive subjects were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the allele and genotype frequencies between patients with hypertension and normotensive subjects. There was no association of the ADRB2 polymorphism (Arg16Gly) with hypertension or the other phenotypes measured in our study populations.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ADRB2 Arg16Gly polymorphisms are unlikely to confer the genetic susceptibility for hypertension in the Korean population. However, further investigation is warranted to clarify the relevance of ADRB2 polymorphisms in blood pressure regulation.