The Contribution of the C-824T Tyrosine Hydroxylase Polymorphism to the Prevalence of Hypertension in a South African Cohort: The SABPA Study

Abstract

The C-824T single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene has been associated with hypertension. It is well documented that African South Africans exhibit a higher prevalence of hypertension than Caucasians. However, the possible role of this mutation on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (AMBP) has not been investigated in African South Africans. Blood samples of 409 South Africans were screened for the mutation. Ambulatory blood pressure and lifestyle factors were also measured. Africans had higher incidence of hypertension and higher occurrence of the mutation. However, the contribution of the tyrosine hydroxylase C-824T single nucleotide polymorphism to hypertension could not be confirmed in our cohort.

• tyrosine hydroxylase
• mutation analysis
• blood pressure
• hypertension
• South African

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are greatly appreciative of the voluntary collaboration of the participants and the technical assistance of all involved in the Sympathetic Activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans (SABPA) study. This study was partially funded by the National Research Foundation, South Africa; the North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; and the Metabolic Syndrome Institute, France.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.