Background: 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.
Objectives and methods: 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.
Results: 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).
Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that AGT M235T and ACE I/D modulate the risk of essential hypertension in Han Chinese population.