Supplementary material_NOS3 gene intron 4b_a VNTR.docx

An association of 4b/a NOS3 gene polymorphism, determined by PCR, with central hemodynamics, timing structure of cardiac cycle and coronary perfusion was studied by blood pressure contour analysis in 65 healthy individuals (32 women) aged 27–65 years. AA genotype was presented in two men only and was excluded from the analysis. Paired comparisons between BB and AB genotypes showed that male heterozygote carriers had higher values of augmentation pressure (p=0.004), augmentation index (p=0.029), and lower pulse pressure amplification (p=0.007) than BB carriers. The genotype effects remained significant after adjusting for age, heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Female AB allele group had higher aortic systolic blood pressure (p=0.046) and lower subendocardial viability ratio (p=0.043) compared to homozygote BB subsample. It is concluded that heterozygous individuals carrying A allele have stiffer arteries, worser coronary perfusion and seem to be at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases than BB homozygotes.