An Erythropoietin Gene Polymorphism in the Hypoxia-Responsive Element at Position 3434 Is Possibly Associated with Hypertension

Background/Aims: Several polymorphisms of vasoactive hormones have been implicated in hypertension. Erythropoietin (EPO) interacts with vasoactive substances, such as angiotensin II. Previously detected single nucleotide polymorphisms in the hypoxia-responsive element of EPO might be associated with hypertension and hypertensive end organ damages. Methods: 400 hypertensive patients and 200 age-and gender-matched normotensive controls were genotyped for an EPO polymorphism [cytosine (C)/thymine (T) single nucleotide polymorphism] at position 3434. Patients were grouped according to their genotype into the CC group (CC genotype) and the CT/TT group (CT and TT genotype). BP was measured by ambulatory BP monitoring. Results: The CC genotype was present in 87% of hypertensive patients and in 78.5% of controls (p = 0.007). In addition, patients with the CC genotype had higher BP levels compared with CT/TT genotypes (BPsys 143.7 +/- 20.4 vs. 136.1 +/- 13.5 mm Hg, p = 0.01, and BPdias 85.8 +/- 11.6 vs. 82.4 +/- 8.9, p = 0.043) despite a nearly identical number of antihypertensive drugs (2.3 +/- 1.5 vs. 2.3 +/- 1.6; p = 0.257). 100% of the small number of patients with end-stage renal disease (n = 15) had the CC genotype. Conclusion: The CC genotype of the EPO gene at position 3434 is more frequently found in patients with hypertension and is associated with higher BP levels. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel