Age and gender differences in the influences of eNOS T-786C polymorphism on arteriosclerotic parameters in general population in Japan

OBJECTIVE: The influence of T-786C polymorphism in the promoter region of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) on arteriosclerotic parameters by age and gender were examined. METHODS: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), heart-rate adjusted augmentation index (AIx@75), pulse pressure (PP) and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were assessed as arteriosclerotic parameters in addition to non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) to HDL-C (non-HDL-C/HDL-C) ratio in 1499 participants. T-786C polymorphism (rs2070744) was screened using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Analyses of covariance were carried. RESULTS: Women with the non-C allele showed significantly lower AIx@75 in participants aged <65 years and baPWV in participants aged ≥65 years than those with C allele. In contrast, men with the non-C allele showed significantly higher PP in participants aged <65 years, and higher ACR and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio in participants aged ≥65 years. In men on cholesterol-lowering medication, the non-C allele carriers showed significantly higher non-HDL-C compared to those in the C allele carriers. CONCLUSIONS: eNOS T-786C polymorphism is significantly associated with arteriosclerotic parameters accompanied with age and gender differences, possibly involving antioxidative and/or endothelial signaling other than inflammatory signaling.