The Relationship between the Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 T29C Gene Polymorphism and Left Ventricular Geometry and Function in Hypertensive Subjects

The distribution of the T29C TGF beta 1 gene polymorphism was analyzed in 198 hypertensives with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and in 235 hypertensives without LVH. Circulating TGF beta 1 levels, procollagen type III levels, microalbuminuria, and left ventricular geometry and function were evaluated in all the hypertensives with LVH subgrouped according to T29C TGF beta 1 gene polymorphism. Circulating TGF beta 1 was evaluated by ELISA technique, procollagen type III by a specific radioimmunoassay, microalbuminuria by radioimmunoassay, and left ventricular geometry and function by echocardiography. All groups were comparable for gender, age, and sex. Regarding T29C TGF beta 1 gene polymorphism, prevalence of TC or CC genotypes was significantly (P < .05) higher in hypertensives with LVH than hypertensives without LVH TC and CC LVH hypertensives were characterized by a higher prevalence of subjects with microalbuminuria (P < .05 TC and CC versus TT), by increased levels of TGF beta 1, procollagen type III, urinary albumin excretion, LVM, LVM/h2.7, and lower values of left ventricular ejection fraction (P < .05 TC and CC versus TT). Our data suggest that T29C TGF beta 1 gene polymorphism was associated with clinical characteristics adequate to recognize a subset of LVH hypertensives with a higher severity of hypertension.