The Genetic Variants in the Renin-Angiotensin System and the Risk of Heart Failure in Polish Patients

(1) Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex disease and one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to the pathogenesis of HF. (2) Aim: To investigate the association of RAS key genetic variants, rs5051 (A-6G) in the gene encoding angiotensinogen (AGT), rs4646994 (I/D) in the gene for angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE), and rs5186 (A1166C) in the gene encoding type 1 receptor for angiotensin II (AGTR1), with the HF risk in the cohort of Polish patients. (3) Methods: The study group consisted of 415 patients that were diagnosed with HF, while the control group comprised of 152 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA were extracted from blood and genotyping was carried out using either PCR or PCR-RFLP for ACE or AGT and AGTR1 variants, respectively. (4) Results: No association has been found between the I/D ACE and heart failure. The HF risk was significantly higher for AG AGT heterozygotes (overdominance: AG versus AA + GG) and for carriers of the G AGT allele in codominant and dominant modes of inheritance. However, the risk of HF was significantly lower in the carriers of at least one C AGTR1 allele (AC or CC genotypes) or in AC AGTR1 heterozygotes (overdominant mode). There was a significant relationship for AGT and HF patients in NYHA Class I-II for whom the risk was higher for the carriers of the G allele, and for the AG heterozygotes. There was also a significant interaction between heterozygote advantage of AGT and BMI increasing the risk for HF. (5) Conclusion: Our results suggest that the A(-6)G AGT polymorphism may be associated with HF in the Polish population and the HF risk seems to be modulated by the A1166C AGTR1 polymorphism.