Polymorphic variants of beta1 adrenergic receptor gene (Ser49Gly & Arg389Gly) in healthy Tamilian volunteers.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Several studies reported the polymorphisms of beta1-adrenergic receptor gene in healthy volunteers and its influence on cardiovascular disorders. We investigated the genotype and allele frequencies of Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphism in healthy volunteers of South Indian Tamilian population vis-à-vis other major ethnic groups. METHODS The genetic variants were determined by using Taqman 5' nuclease assay- real time PCR analysis in 533 normal healthy volunteers (18-60 yr; M=290; F=243). The allelic discrimination analysis was done by 7700 SDS software. RESULTS The estimated genotype and allele frequencies of Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphism were compared with other major populations. The frequencies of the variant alleles Gly49 and Gly389 were 15.1 and 25.8 per cent respectively. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that interethnic variation exists in the polymorphisms of beta1-adrenergic receptor gene and the results generated in this study might serve as a genetic marker for further studies in Tamilian (South India) population.