The A1166C polymorphism of the AT1 receptor gene is associated with collagen type I synthesis and myocardial stiffness in hypertensives.

OBJECTIVES

We have investigated whether the A1166C polymorphism of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor gene modulates the effects of angiotensin II on collagen type I turnover and myocardial stiffness in hypertension.

METHODS

We studied 255 hypertensive patients before and after 1 year of treatment with either losartan (n = 185) or atenolol (n = 70). Serum concentrations of the carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PIP) and the carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP), markers of extracellular collagen type I synthesis and degradation, respectively, were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. Left ventricular chamber stiffness (KLV), was determined from the deceleration time of the early mitral filling wave, as measured by Doppler echocardiography. Hypertensives were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and divided in two subgroups: AA (n = 126) and AC/CC (n = 129).

RESULTS

Baseline PIP and KLV were increased (P < 0.01) in AA hypertensives compared with AC/CC hypertensives. No changes in baseline CITP were observed between the two subgroups of hypertensives. Confounding factors were similar between the two subgroups of hypertensives. Administration of losartan was associated with reduction (P < 0.01) in PIP and KLV in AA hypertensives but not in AC/CC hypertensives. Treatment with atenolol did not change PIP and KLV in either subgroup of hypertensives. No changes in CITP were observed with the two treatments.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the A1166C polymorphism of the AT1 receptor gene is associated with collagen type I synthesis and myocardial stiffness in patients with hypertensive heart disease.