Association between GRK4 and DRD1 gene polymorphisms and hypertension: a meta-analysis

The role of GRK4 and DRD1 genes in hypertension remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether GRK4 and DRD1 polymorphisms influence the risk of hypertension and examined the relationship between the genetic variances and the etiology of hypertension. Relevant case-control studies were retrieved by database searches and selected according to established inclusion criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations. Meta-regression, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed. A total of 15 articles containing 29 studies were finally included. In the dominant model, rs4532 locus of DRD1 gene was related to hypertension with a pooled OR of 1.353 (95% CI = 1.016-1.802, P=0.038). Subgroup analysis for ethnicity showed that rs1024323 locus of GRK4 gene was associated with hypertension in Caucasians (OR = 1.826, 95% CI = 1.215-2.745, P=0.004) but not in East Asians and Africans. Rs4532 locus was associated with hypertension in East Asians (OR = 1.833, 95% CI = 1.415-2.376, P<0.001) but not in Caucasians. These data provide possible references for future case-control studies in hypertension.