High systolic blood pressure is associated with Val/Val genotype in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene

Background: The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene contains a functional polymorphism, Val158Met. A few studies on animals have shown a relationship between the COMT gene and BP, but whether this exists in human beings is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between codon 158 COMT gene polymorphism and BP in a population-based cohort. Methods: In the 1995-97 Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT), the association between Val/Met polymorphism at the COMT gene and BP was evaluated in a group of 2966 nondiabetic individuals. Results: Among the 2591 individuals without current use of antihypertensive drugs, systolic BP >= 140 mm Hg was more likely among persons with Val/Val genotype compared with the other genotypes (44.8% v 39.1%, P = .02). In the multivariate analysis the prevalence odds ratio for having the Val/Val genotype was 1.63 (95% CI = 1.18 to 2.24) among individuals with systolic BP >= 160 mm Hg compared with those with systolic BP < 140 mm Hg. Val/Val genotype was also more likely (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.63) among individuals with hypertension (as defined by use of antihypertensive medication, systolic BP >= 140 mm Hg, or diastolic BP >= 90 mm Hg) than among those with normal BP. Conclusions: Based on the study findings, the Val/Val genotype appears to be associated with a higher prevalence of increased systolic BP compared with the Met/Met or Met/Val genotypes at the COMTgene.