GSTM1-null polymorphism as possible risk marker for hypertension: results from the aging and longevity study in the Sirente Geographic Area (ilSIRENTE study).
BACKGROUND
Involvement of various gene mutations in hypertension have been already reported, including GST (detoxification Phase II enzymes), with contrasting results. This study analyzes a possible association between GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null polymorphisms and the hypertension status in a very old population (>80 years).


METHODS
354 old patients were collected (255 were hypertensive and 99 were not).


RESULTS
GSTM1-null individuals (n=156) were significantly associated with increased risk of hypertension [OR=2.25 (1.36-3.72); p=0.005]. This association was confirmed both in 115 male and 239 female subjects. In contrast, no significant association was observed [p=0.52, OR=1.24 (0.67-2.29)] in the 57 hypertensive GSTT1-null genotypes vs 198 wild-type individuals. The above mentioned significances were obtained by multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for confounder variables. Alcohol consumption and/or smoke habits were not significantly different between the two groups, as well as gender, marital status, education, number of concomitant diseases, and presence of cardiovascular diseases. No synergistic association was observed for the combined null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1.


CONCLUSIONS
The knowledge of GSTM1 variant status seems to be potentially useful to predict a possible hypertensive status after 80 years of age. This study underlines a possible importance of the GSTM1 enzyme for blood pressure regulation.
Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy.
Ettore
E
Capoluongo
Graziano
G
Onder
Paola
P
Concolino
Andrea
A
Russo
Concetta
C
Santonocito
Roberto
R
Bernabei
Cecilia
C
Zuppi
Franco
F
Ameglio
Francesco
F
Landi
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001483:Base Sequence; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005838:Genotype; D005843:Geography; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D007558:Italy; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012044:Regression Analysis
D005819:Genetic Markers; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; C413545:glutathione S-transferase T1