Objective: To identify the genetic loci responsible for susceptibility to essential hypertension (EH) in chromosomal regions containing candidate genes involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism.
Methods: Linkage analysis of EH were performed in 95 Chinese nuclear families with 477 subjects using the technique of fluorescence-based gene scan with microsatellite markers. Markers were selected in 11 chromosomal regions containing 18 candidate genes regulating blood glucose and lipid metabolism. The two-locus, non-parametric linkage analysis (NPL), maximum LOD score and transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) with GENEHUNTER program were used in this study.
Results: No significant linkages were found by NPL and LOD score analysis (P > 0.05 or LOD score < 1) at all loci. The results of TDT showed significant linkage with EH at D8S261 and D11S1347 (chi(2) = 11.92, P < 0.001 and chi(2) = 7.37, P < 0.01, respectively). Near these loci, there were a few candidate genes including lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and a cluster of apolipoprotein (apoA1-C3-A4).
Conclusion: TDT suggests significant linkage with EH at D8S261 and D11S1347. Whether the genes located at or near the two loci, such as LPL and apoA1-C3-A4, are susceptibility genes of EH need to be verified.