Association between transforming growth factor β1 polymorphisms and atrial fibrillation in essential hypertensive subjects

Background: The association of TGF beta 1 polymorphisms and atrial fibrillation (AF) in essential hypertensive (EH) subjects remains unknown. Methods EH subjects with AF (EH+AF+) and sinus rhythm (EH+AF-) were enrolled. The polymorphisms of +869 T -> C at codon 10 and +915 G -> C at codon 25, were genotyped. The clinical characteristics including serum TGF beta 1 levels were detected. Results: The GG genotypes of TGF beta 1 +915 G -> C at codon 25 were more prevalent in subjects from EH+AF+ group than those from EH+AF- group (P = 0.009). The subjects with GG genotype from EH+AF+ group had the highest mean serum TGF beta 1 level, which was significantly higher than that of GG genotype subjects from EH+AF- group (3.18 +/- 0.24 ng/dl vs. 2.29 +/- 0.14 ng/dl, P < 0.05). Multiple analyses revealed that the TGF beta 1 GG genotype of +915 G -> C at codon 25 presented a 3.09 times higher risk in developing AF in the multivariate model after adjusting for age and gender. Conclusion: The polymorphisms of TGF beta 1 +915 G -> C at codon 25 were associated with occurrence of AF and serum TGF beta 1 level in EH subjects.