Angiotensin II type I receptor gene polymorphism: anthropometric and metabolic syndrome traits

Background: The renin angiotensin system is important in the regulation of vascular tone and fluid and electrolyte balance. The angiotensin converting enzyme gene ( ACE) genotype has been shown to affect exercise response and glucose load response dependent on birth weight. Angiotensin II type I receptor (AGTR1) A1166C has previously been associated with the development of hypertension and coronary disease, but its metabolic effects have not been investigated. Method: AGTR1 A1166C was genotyped by allele specific PCR in 378 individuals from Hertfordshire, UK, who had been characterised for metabolic syndrome traits. Results: Genotype counts were: AA, 183; AC, 170; CC, 25, consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The CC genotype was associated with significantly lower body mass index ( by 1.7 units) in men ( p = 0.03), and the same magnitude effect in women with significant lower weight in both genders ( p = 0.01), also lower waist circumference and waist-hip ratio ( p = 0.01) in men, with a trend for lower waist circumference in women also. Additionally, the CC genotype and/or C allele was associated with lower fasting glucose and insulin, and 30 and 120 min glucose in men ( respectively, p = 0.08, 0.04, 0.01, 0.06). Lower means of systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, cholesterol, and fasting triglyceride were also observed for the CC genotype in both genders though these were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The AGTR1 1166 CC genotype appears to predispose to favourable anthropometric and metabolic traits, relative to cardiovascular risk.