GSTM1-null polymorphism as possible risk marker for hypertension: Results from the aging and longevity study in the Sirente Geographic Area (ilSIRENTE study)

Background: Involvement of various gene mutations in hypertension have been already reported, including GST (detoxification Phase 11 enzymes), with contrasting results. This study analyzes a possible association between GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null polymorphisms and the hypertension status in a very old population (>80 years). Methods: 354 old patients were collected (255 were hypertensive and 99 were not). Results: GSTM1-null individuals (n=156) were significantly associated with increased risk of hypertension [OR=2.25 (1.36-3.72); p=0.005]. This association was confirmed both in 115 male and 239 female subjects. In contrast, no significant association was observed [p=0.52, OR= 1.24 (0.67-2.29)] in the 57 hypertensive GSTT1-null genotypes vs 198 wild-type individuals. The above mentioned significances were obtained by multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for confounder variables. Alcohol consumption and/or smoke habits were not significantly different between the two groups, as well as gender, marital status, education, number of concomitant diseases, and presence of cardiovascular diseases. No synergistic association was observed for the combined null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1. Conclusions: The knowledge of GSTM1 variant status seems to be potentially useful to predict a possible hypertensive status after 80 years of age. This study underlines a possible importance of the GSTM1 enzyme for blood pressure regulation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.