Taicang, China Region And Western Europe, The Flemish Of Hypertension Epidemiological Studies

Objective The functional ADRA2B I/D polymorphism is associated with various cardiovascular and metabolic phenotypes in Caucasians. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether the ADRA2B I/D polymorphism is associated with such phenotypes in a Chinese population.Methods We enrolled 247 women and 234 men in a family-based Chinese study. Statistical methods included generalized estimating equations and quantitative transmission disequilibrium test.Results The I-allele (62.3% vs 50.8%, P = 0.015) and the II genotype (40.9% vs 23.4%, P = 0.017) were more prevalent among hypertensive than normotensive men. While adjusting for covariates and family clusters, male II homozygotes compared to D-allele carriers had higher systolic pressure (130.0 vs 125.0 mmHg, P = 0.016) and a 2.61 times (P = 0.008) greater risk of hypertension. On the other hand, II homozygous men had lower body weight (65.4 vs 69.6 kg, P = 0.008), body mass index (23.4 vs 24.5 kg/m~2, P = 0.037), waist-to-hip ratio (0.838 vs 0.857, P = 0.024), serum insulin concentration (9.5 vs 13.2 mu/L, P = 0.026) and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment index, 2.4 vs 3.2, P = 0.051). None of these associations reached statistical significance in women. In 65 informative male offspring, transmission of the 7-allele was associated with higher systolic pressure (+6.0 mmHg, P = 0.10), diastolic pressure (+5.5 mmHg, P = 0.021), and faster pulse rate (+5.8 beats/min, P = 0.019).Conclusion In Chinese men, the I-allele of the ADRA2B gene is associated with higher blood pressure, but also with a more favourable metabolic phenotype.