Restriction Fragment Polymorphisms in Candidate Genes Associated with Hypertension

Barley, Jacqueline (1991). Restriction Fragment Polymorphisms in Candidate Genes Associated with Hypertension. MPhil thesis The Open University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.00010132

Abstract

This thesis describes an investigation of the role of genetic variation and its association with hypertension.

Using molecular biology techniques it is possible to analyse DNA from subjects and distinguish variants of genes that might be involved in blood pressure regulation as potential predictors of essential hypertension.

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) at the gene loci for renin, atrial natriuretic peptide, glucocorticoid receptor and kallikrein have been identified and their frequency determined in three different study groups to establish an association with blood pressure.

Measurement of renin, atrial natriuretic peptide and other physiological parameters associated with blood pressure was carried out on selected individuals, and the results correlated with RFLPs.

The main conclusions from the study were:-
1. There was no significant association of RFLPs with blood pressure.
2. There was a striking and significant ethnic difference for several of the RFLPs studied.
3. There was no association of physiological measurements with any of the RFLPs.