Genetic variation in the renin--angiotensin system, use of renin--angiotensin system inhibitors and the risk of myocardial infarction.

Introduction: This study investigated whether variation in the genes encoding for ACE, AGT and AGTR1 modifies the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) related to ACE inhibitors and AT II antagonists.

Methods: A nested case-control study among users of antihypertensive drugs, in whom the polymorphisms ACE-G4656C, ACE-T3892C, AGT-C235T and AGTR1-A1166C were genotyped.

Results: Among 613 cases and 3630 controls, the risk of MI was significantly lower among users of ACE inhibitors compared with that in users of other antihypertensives (adjusted OR, 0.

Reasons for non-response in observational pharmacogenetic research.

Purpose: In epidemiological studies, non-response may introduce bias and limit generalizability. In genetic pharmacoepidemiological research, collection of DNA might be a major reason for non-response. We determined reasons for non-response and compared characteristics of non-responders and responders in a pharmacogenetic case-control study.

Interaction between the Gly460Trp alpha-adducin gene variant and diuretics on the risk of myocardial infarction.

Introduction: The Gly460Trp variant of the alpha-adducin gene has been associated with the salt-sensitive and diuretic responsive form of hypertension.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether the alpha-adducin 460Trp variant allele modifies the risk-lowering effect of diuretics on myocardial infarction (MI).

Design, Setting And Participants: In a population-based registry of pharmacy records linked to hospital discharge records (PHARMO), we used a nested case-control design.

Anthropometry, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey: linkage of candidate genes using two sib-pair based variance components analyses.

Insulin resistance and obesity are underlying causes of type 2 diabetes and therefore much interest is focused on the potential genes involved. A series of anthropometric and metabolic characteristic were measured in 240 MZ and 112 DZ twin pairs recruited from the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey. Microsatellite markers located close to ABCC8, ADIPOQ, GCK, IGF1, IGFBP1, INSR, LEP, LEPR, PPARgamma and the RETN gene were genotyped.

The influence of 5-HTTLPR and STin2 polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene on treatment effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressive patients.

Background: Serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) variations have been proposed as an explanation for interindividual differences in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) effects. Quantitative assessment of genetic influences is necessary to evaluate whether genetic testing before antidepressant prescription would lead to earlier treatment effects. This study evaluates the influence of two polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR and STin2) on SSRI treatment outcome in depression.

Effectiveness of statins in the reduction of the risk of myocardial infarction is modified by the GNB3 C825T variant.

Introduction: The GNB3 C825T polymorphism has been shown to affect lipid parameters, atherosclerosis progression, and incidence of myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, we assessed whether the effectiveness of statins in reducing the risk of MI was modified by the GNB3 C825T polymorphism.

Methods: In a population-based registry of pharmacy records linked to hospital discharge records (PHARMO), we used a nested case-control design.

Immunoregulatory gene polymorphisms are associated with ANCA-related vasculitis.

T cell activation is regulated by inhibitory molecules such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, whose expression may be affected by gene polymorphisms. Increased T cell activation is present in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). We investigated two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PDCD1 and five polymorphisms in CTLA4 in 102 patients with AAV and 188 healthy controls (HC).

Polymorphisms of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4 VNTR) and cannabinoid CB1 receptor gene (CNR1) are not strongly related to cue-reactivity after alcohol exposure.

Polymorphisms in the D4 dopamine receptor gene (DRD4) and the CB1 cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) have been associated with a differential response to alcohol after consumption. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether heavy drinkers with these polymorphisms would respond with enhanced cue-reactivity after alcohol exposure. Eighty-eight male heavy drinkers were genotyped for the DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) [either DRD4 long (L) or short (S)] and the CNR1 rs2023239 polymorphism (either CT/CC or TT).

A functional polymorphism of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) influences cue-induced craving for alcohol in male heavy drinkers.

Background: The mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) codes for the mu-opioid receptor, which binds beta-endorphin. The A118G polymorphism in this gene affects beta-endorphin binding such that the Asp40 variant (G allele) binds beta-endorphin 3 times more tightly than the more common Asn40 variant (A allele). This study investigated the influence of the A118G polymorphism on cue reactivity after exposure to an alcoholic beverage in male heavy drinkers.

Two functionally relevant polymorphisms in the human progesterone receptor gene (+331 G/A and progins) and the predisposition for breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Objective: Two polymorphisms affecting either expression (+331 G/A) or transcriptional activity (progins) of the progesterone receptor have been described. No clear correlation between either polymorphism and breast or ovarian cancer has been shown. Our objective is to clarify whether the two progesterone receptor polymorphisms modify the risk for breast or ovarian cancer.

Influence of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene on conventional and ambulatory blood pressure: sib-pair analysis and haplotype study.

Background: Nitric oxide is involved in the regulation of vascular basal tone and blood pressure. Polymorphisms of NOS3, the gene that codes for endothelial nitric oxide synthase, have been associated with essential hypertension.

Objective: To look for linkage and association of three di-allelic polymorphisms (Glu298Asp, intron 4 VNTR and T-786C) and the intron 13 CA-repeat of NOS3 with blood pressure as a continuous trait.

A quantitative trait locus on 13q14.2 for trunk strength.

Previous findings show strong evidence for the role of retinoblastoma (Rb) in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. However, it is not known whether variation in the retinoblastoma gene (RB1 ) is responsible for normal variation in human muscle strength. Therefore, a linkage analysis for quantitative traits was performed on 329 young male siblings from 146 families with muscle strength, using a polymorphic marker in RB1 (D13S153 on 13q14.