Association between a G894T Polymorphism of eNOS Gene and Essential Hypertension in Hani and Yi Minority Groups of China

BackgroundEndothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure homeostasis and vascular integrity. Recently, a G894T polymorphism in exon 7 of the eNOS gene has been reported to be associated with high blood pressure. We investigated the association between this polymorphism and essential hypertension (EH) in Hani (n = 305 individuals) and Yi (n = 233 individuals) minorities of China.MethodseNOS genotyping with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed in 267 normotensive (NT) subjects and 271 EH subjects.ResultsThe frequencies of eNOS G894T genotypes in NT controls and EH cohort in Hani population were GG: 0.714 vs. 0.581; GT + TT: 0.286 vs. 0.419, respectively. The frequencies of eNOS G894T genotypes in NT controls and EH cohort in Yi population were GG: 0.552 vs. 0.717; GT + TT: 0.448 vs. 0.283, respectively. There was a significant difference in G894T genotype distribution between NTs and hypertensives in both Hani and Yi populations (p <0.05).ConclusionsThe present study suggested an association between a G894T polymorphism of eNOS gene and EH in Hani and Yi minority groups of China.