Key genetic variants in the renin-angiotensin system and left ventricular mass in a cohort of Polish patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a complex disease that is under the control of different physiological systems. Left ventricular mass (LVM) is a strong predictor of HF. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to the pathogenesis of HF and LVM. AIMS: The aim of this study is to examine the association between RAS genetic variants and HF and LVM in the cohort of Polish patients with HF. METHODS: The study included 401 patients with HF. Two-dimensional M-mode echocardiography was used to assess LVM. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood, and genotyping of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (rs4646994), angiotensinogen (AGT) (rs5051), and angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) (rs5186) polymorphisms was carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A significant association was found between HF and the genotypes of G(-6)A AGT, and the homozygotes AA of AGT were significantly less common in the HF vs control group. The results of this study did not confirm the relationship between AGT, ACE and AT1R genetic variants with LVM in Polish patients with HF. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that AGT polymorphism may play a protective role in the development of HF.