Dissecting the genetics of complex traits: lessons from hypertension.

摘要

Summary of key findings:Newton-Cheh et al. (doi: 10.1038g.328) tested the hypothesis that the common variants in the candidate genes coding for the atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptides (BNP) (NNPA and NPPB) are associated with blood pressure [1]. Firstly, in 1705 subjects from a general population cohort, 13 variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) in this genetic locus were selected for association with higher ANP and BNP levels. Subsequently, a meta-analysis involving 14 743 Caucasian subjects confirmed the association for three SNPs. Next, in 29 717 subjects, these SNPs were found to be associated with lower blood pressure and lower risk for hypertension. The strongest effects were found for the SNPs coded rs5068 (minor allele frequency 6%) and rsl98358 (19%) with reductions per allele of 0.9-1.5 mmHg systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 0.3-0.8 mmHg diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and odds ratios for hypertension of 0.85 and 0.90, respectively.