Aim: To evaluate the association of β-2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) gene polymorphism with response of variceal pressure to propranolol in cirrhosis.
Methods: Sixty-four non-related cirrhotic patients participated in this study and accepted variceal pressure measurement before and after propranolol administration. Polymorphism of the β2-AR gene was determined by directly sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction products from the DNA samples that were prepared from the patients.
Results: The prevalence of Gly16-Glu/Gln27 and Arg16-Gln27 homozygotes, and compound heterozygotes was 29.7%, 10.9%, and 59.4%, respectively. Patients with cirrhosis with Gly16-Glu/Gln27 homozygotes had a greater decrease of variceal pressure after propranolol administration than those with Arg16-Gln27 homozygotes or with compound heterozygotes (22.4% ± 2.1%, 13.1% ± 2.7% and 12.5% ± 3.1%, respectively, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: The variceal pressure response to propranolol was associated with polymorphism of β2-AR gene. Patients with the Gly(16)-Glu/Gln(27) homozygotes probably benefit from propranolol therapy.
Keywords: Homozygotes; Propranolol; Variceal bleeding; Variceal pressure; β2-adrenergic receptor.