Abstract
The ADRA2B gene 301-303 I/D polymorphism is associated with various cardiovascular phenotypes. However, an association of genotypes with the timing structure of cardiac cycle remains unclear. The central hemodynamic parameters were assessed by pulse wave analysis in 63 residents of the Kola Peninsula (68 N) aged 27-65 yr. The genotypes were determined by PCR. The paired comparisons revealed that II genotype carriers had higher values of augmentation index ( P = 0.014), ejection duration ( P = 0.045), and lower SEVR ( P = 0.035) than DD homozygotes. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, heart rate, and blood pressure confirmed these results. Further sex stratified analysis showed that the associations existed only in men ( n = 33) whereas in women ( n = 30) the differences were suggestive ( P < 0.1). It is concluded that in a northern Russian population men carrying I allele have stiffer arteries, shorter diastole duration, and impaired coronary perfusion and seem to be at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases than DD carriers.