M235T polymorphism in the angiotensinogen gene and cardiovascular disease: An updated meta-analysis of 39 case–control comparisons

OBJECTIVE: M235T polymorphism of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene has been linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate whether combined evidence supports this association. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted for studies published up to October 2018 that evaluate the association between AGT M235T polymorphism and risk of CVD. Case–control studies were identified, and the association between AGT M235T polymorphism and CVD risk was assessed using genetic models. RESULTS: Thirty-nine comparisons from 38 studies were collected, and a meta-analysis and subgroup analysis was performed based on ethnicity. In the overall population (9225 cases and 8406 controls), the occurrence of CVD was found to be associated with AGT M235T polymorphism in both allelic [T vs. M: odds ratio (OR)=1.16] and recessive (TT vs. MT+MM: OR=1.14) models. In subgroup analyses, a significant association was identified between AGT M235T polymorphism and CVD risk in East Asian subgroups in allelic (T vs. M: OR=1.46), homozygous (TT vs. MM: OR=1.78), dominant (MT+TT vs. MM: OR=1.47), and recessive (TT vs. MT+ MM: OR=1.68) models, but there was no significant association in Caucasian populations. CONCLUSION: Among East Asians, the AGT variant M235T is associated with CVD risk. However, current evidence suggests that there is no such association in the Caucasian population.