Leu72Met Polymorphism in Ghrelin Gene: A Potential Risk Factor for Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Abstract

Objective

Ghrelin (GHRL) is known to be engaged in metabolic and cardiovascular processes. There is evidence suggesting its involvement in the regulation of blood pressure and hypertension. The purpose of this preliminary case–control study was to determine the involvement of the Leu72Met (rs696217) polymorphism in the GHRL gene in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

The Leu72Met polymorphism was genotyped in 820 individuals with T2DM and 400 healthy subjects by the PCR-RFLP technique. The polymorphism distribution was first compared in those withT2DM and controls, then in subgroups of participants representing different clinical phenotypes.

Results

No significant association was identified between Leu72Met and T2DM. The distribution of polymorphism was analyzed in subgroups of individuals with different clinical phenotypes (hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, obesity). In this analysis, rs696217 was associated with hypertension. The presence of T allele was associated with higher risk of hypertension (OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.68–3.73, p < 0.001). When adjusted for age, gender and BMI, the association was still significant (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.83–3.96, p < 0.001). A post hoc power calculations based on a minor allele frequency revealed the power of 97% for comparison between HY+ and HY- subgroups.

Conclusion

This is the first study demonstrating that the ghrelin Leu72Met SNP is associated with hypertension in Caucasians with T2DM. If confirmed in larger studies in different populations, it may be a novel potential risk factor for hypertension in individuals withT2DM.

Keywords:

• ghrelin gene
• type 2 diabetes
• hypertension
• Leu72Met polymorphism
• risk allele

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas, took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific funding.