Abstract: Objective To investigate the association of the polymorphism of eNOs gene T786C with essential hypertension.Methods Two hundred and sixty-six patients with EH and matched controls were selected.Polymerase chain reaction combined with restriction enzyme digestion was used to detect the polymorphism of eNOs gene.Results (1) There was no significant difference noticed in genotype distribution for the eNOs gene T786C genotype between hypertensive groups and controls.SBP and DBP of patients with C allele of eNOs gene were higher than those of TT genotype,but the differences were not significant.(2)Positive effect of the T786C mutant genotypes on SBP was significant in the drinkers and men. Conclusion Although the polymorphism of eNOs gene T786C did not seem to play an important and direct role in the pathogenesis of EH it might have indirect effects through certain risk factors.

Key words: essential hypertension, Gene polymorphism, Nitric oxide synthase