Objective: To investigate the relationship of gene polymorphism of angiotension converting enzyme (ACE), aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) with essential hypertension (EH) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive patients.
Methods: (1) Left ventricular mass and geometry were assessed with ECG and echocardiography in 136 hypertensive patients. (2) The insertion/deletion polymorphism of ACE gene and the -344C/T polymorphism of CYP11B2 gene were monitored by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: (1) ACE and CYP11B2 gene showed significant difference in genotype or allele frequency distribution in the group with LVH as compared with the group without (P < 0.05). (2) There was a significant difference in CT + II combined genotype frequency distribution in the group with LVH as compared with the group without (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: (1) No relationship between the polymorphism of CYP11B2 gene and ACE gene with essential hyptension could be found. (2) A significant relationship between the polymorphism of ACE and CYP11B2 gene with LVH in EH could be found. I allele of ACE gene and C allele of CYP11B2 gene may be independent risk factors for LVH in hypertensive patients. (3) There is a synergistic effect between the polymorphism of ACE gene and CYP11B2 gene to result in LVH in EH.