β-2 Adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism and response to propranolol in cirrhosis

AIM: To evaluate the association of beta-2 adrenergic receptor (beta(2)-AR) gene polymorphism with response of variceal pressure to propranolol in cirrhosis. METHODS: Sixty-four non-related cirrhotic patients participated in this study and accepted variceal pressure measurement before and after propranolol administration. Polymorphism of the beta(2)-AR gene was determined by directly sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction products from the DNA samples that were prepared from the patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of Gly16-Glu/Gln27 and Arg16-Gln27 homozygotes, and compound heterozygotes was 29.7%, 10.9%, and 59.4%, respectively. Patients with cirrhosis with Gly16-Glu/Gln27 homozygotes had a greater decrease of variceal pressure after propranolol administration than those with Arg16-Gln27 homozygotes or with compound heterozygotes (22.4% +/- 2.1%, 13.1% +/- 2.7% and 12.5% +/- 3.1%, respectively, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The variceal pressure response to propranolol was associated with polymorphism of beta(2)-AR gene. Patients with the Gly(16)-Glu/Gln(27) homozygotes probably benefit from propranolol therapy.