Transforming Growth Factor 1 T29c Gene Polymorphism And Hypertension: Relationship With Cardiovascular And Renal Damage

Distribution of T29C TGF beta 1 gene polymorphism was analysed in 260 hypertensive and 134 normotensive subjects. Circulating TGF beta 1 and procollagen type III levels, microalbuminuria, left ventricular geometry and function were evaluated in all the hypertensives subgrouped according to T29C TGF beta 1 gene polymorphism. Circulating TGF beta 1 by ELISA technique, procollagen type III by a specific radioimmunoassay, microalbuminuria by radioimmunoassay, left ventricular geometry and function by echocardiography were determined. 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 < 0.05) higher in hypertensives than normotensives. TC and CC hypertensives were characterized by a higher prevalence of subjects with microalbuminuria (p < 0.001 TC vs TT; p < 0.05 CC vs TT), left ventricular hypertrophy (p < 0.01 TC and CC vs TT), and by increased levels of procollagen type III (p < 0.05 TC and CC vs TT). TC hypertensives were also characterized by a significant increase (p < 0.05) of LVM and LVM/h(2.7) and of urinary albumin excretion (p < 0.05) values than those detectable in TT hypertensives. Our data suggest that T29C TGF beta 1 gene polymorphism was associated to clinical characteristics suitable to recognize hypertensives with a higher severity of hypertension.