Association of angiotensinogen gene M235T and angiotensin-converting enzyme gene I/D polymorphisms with essential hypertension in Han Chinese population: a meta-analysis

The polymorphisms of angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genes have been linked to increased risk of essential hypertension in multiple populations, but the results were inconsistent.To evaluate the associations of these polymorphisms with essential hypertension, we carried out a meta-analysis of the association studies within Han Chinese population. In this study, we reviewed two most commonly investigated polymorphisms, AGT M235T and ACE I/D, and provided summary estimates regarding their associations with essential hypertension. PubMed and China Biological Medicine Database were searched, and a total of 71 studies (31 studies for AGT M235T and 40 studies for ACE I/D) comprising 10 547 essential hypertension patients and 9217 controls from 23 provinces and special districts in China were finally included in this study.Statistically significant associations with essential hypertension were identified for TT genotype of AGT M235T polymorphism (odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.16-2.03, P = 0.002) and DD genotype of ACE I/D polymorphism (odds ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.32-1.98, P < 0.0001). Under dominant, recessive, and additive genetic models, positive associations were also found. The heterogeneity existed among the studies (P < 0.05), whereas the publication bias did not exist in both AGT analysis (P = 0.052) and ACE analysis (P = 0.103).The present meta-analysis suggests that AGT M235T and ACE I/D modulate the risk of essential hypertension in Han Chinese population.