The polymorphic CAG repeat in exon1 of androgen receptor is associated with level of HDL-cholesterol and hypertension in Chinese middle-aged to elderly men

Abstract

Objective

The length of the CAG repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor (AR) gene has been shown to be inversely correlated with AR transcriptional activity. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the length of CAG repeat in AR and serum lipids and hypertension in Chinese men.

Design and Patients

The relationship between length of the CAG repeat in exon 1 of AR with prevalence ofhypertension and the levels of serum lipids among Chinese men(aged ≥ 40 years).

Measurements

The physical condition of the subjects was examined and recorded. The concentrtions of blood lipids and sex hormones were measured; and the CAG repeat lengths of the AR gene were determined.

Results

The length of the AR CAG repeats was associated with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration, and the stepwise multiple regression model showed that this association was independent of body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), although these factors influence HDL-C concentration. Furthermore, men with <22 versus men with ≥22 CAG repeats showed higher blood pressure and higher prevalence of hypertension. Shorter CAG repeat numbers were associated with increased risk for hypertension in a multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio =0.715; 95% confidence interval, 0.517-0.989; P =0.043). No significant correlation of AR CAG repeat polymorphism with sex hormone levels, TG, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) or TC were found.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that men carrying shorter (<22) AR CAG repeats have lower HDL-C level and increased risk for hypertension. The androgenic activity may differ due to the polymorphic length of CAG repeats of the AR gene.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2nmCs8C