Genetic relationship between an endothelin 1 gene polymorphism and lead-related high blood pressure

This study investigated the effect of an endothelin 1 (EDN1) T-1370G polymorphism on blood lead levels and lead-related blood pressure (LBP) of male Korean workers who had exposure to lead. A cross sectional study involving 771 male lead-exposed workers from Korea was conducted. High resolution melting analysis was used to differentiate the genotypes of the polymorphism. Association of clinical characteristics with genotypes as modifiers was estimated after adjusting for age, smoking status, drinking status, and job duration. Genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphism were found to be associated with LBP. Blood lead levels were not associated with genotype or allele frequencies. Based on these results, it was concluded that G allele carrier (GG or GG+TG) and G allele of EDN1 polymorphism might be a risk factor of lead-related high blood pressure.