The relationship between polymorphisms at 17 gene sites and hypertension among the Aboriginal Tibetan people.

Abstract

In this study we found that the NOS3 and ADD genes were related to a high incidence of hypertension among Tibetans. NOS3 gene plays a role in regulating vascular tone and blood vessel diameter, which may be altered by the low-oxygen environment of Tibet. ADD is involved in water and salt metabolism, which is consistent with the high-salt diet of Tibetans. The correlations elucidated by our study were different from those of other ethnic groups, indicating that these findings may be specific to the Tibetan people.