Codon 72 polymorphism (rs1042522) of TP53 is associated with changes in diastolic blood pressure over time.

p53 is involved in stress response, metabolism and cardiovascular functioning. The C-allele of rs1042522 in the gene encoding for p53 is associated with longevity and cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of rs1042522 with changes in blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference using a longitudinal approach. Rs1042522 was analyzed in two longitudinal studies; the Doetinchem Cohort Study (DCS) and the Botnia Prospective Study (BPS). Changes in quantitative traits over time were investigated according to rs1042522 genotypes. An association between rs1042522 and changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the DCS over time was observed (P=0.004). Furthermore, a borderline significant association was detected with changes in waist circumference over time (P=0.03). These findings were also observed in the BPS (P=0.02 and P=0.05). The C/C-genotype (Pro/Pro) showed the most moderate time-related increase for the studied endpoints. Furthermore, data from the BPS suggested that the C/C-genotype protects against increases in glucose levels over time at 30 and 60 min during oral glucose tolerance test (P=0.01 and P=0.02). In conclusion, we found an association between the C/C-genotype of rs1042522 and changes in DBP and waist circumference over time. This might contribute to the longevity phenotype observed for the same genotype by others.