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Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) rs7212 polymorphism is associated with arterial stiffness in the Brazilian general population

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 26, pages 340–342 (2012)Cite this article

Thioredoxin interacting protein plays a pivotal role in several important processes of cardiovascular homeostasis by functioning as a biological sensor for biomechanical and oxidative stress. However, the effects of genetic variants in the modulation of arterial stiffness are unknown. In this scenario, the present study evaluated the relationship between the TXNIP rs7212 polymorphism and arterial stiffness. In the overall sample and in the diabetic group, individuals carrying CG+GG genotypes had higher PWV values compared with CC genotype group (10.0 vs 9.8 m s−1, P =0.03; 12.3 vs 11.2 m s−1, P =0.01; respectively). Our findings indicated that the G allele may contribute to increased arterial stiffness in the Brazilian general population and suggest a possible interaction with diabetes.

Increased central artery stiffness is an important determinant of cardiovascular risk and epidemiological studies reported that increased arterial stiffness predicts mortality and morbidity, independently of other cardiovascular risk factors.1 The decrease in arterial elasticity may also be a consequence of various pathological processes,2 inappropriate lifestyle2 and genetic factors.3 Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is an endogenous inhibitor of the thioredoxin system (TXN), and plays a pivotal role in several important processes of cardiovascular homeostasis by functioning as a biological sensor for biomechanical and oxidative stress.4 The TXNIP gene, located on the long arm of chromosome 1q21, is modulated by mechanical stimuli from the cardiovascular system, as occurs during pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy or even physiologic fluid shear stress.5 Minn et al., in β-cell culture of diabetic mice, demonstrated that the expression of TXNIP is increased and the over-expression of this protein is associated with increased apoptosis of β-cells.6 Yamawaki et al., using aorta tissue, reported that the expression of TXNIP is reduced in regions with more shear stress, thus leading to an increased activity of the TXN system, and that this may be a possible mechanism involved in vascular dysfunction.5 In this scenario, the main aim of the present work was to evaluate the relationship between the TXNIP rs7212 polymorphism and arterial stiffness phenotype in the Brazilian general population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    R O Alvim, P C J L Santos, N E Ferreira, J E Krieger & A C Pereira

  2. Department of Physiology, Espirito Santo Federal University, Espirito Santo, Brazil

    J G Mill

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  1. R O Alvim
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  2. P C J L Santos
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  3. N E Ferreira
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Correspondence to A C Pereira.

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Alvim, R., Santos, P., Ferreira, N. et al. Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) rs7212 polymorphism is associated with arterial stiffness in the Brazilian general population. J Hum Hypertens 26, 340–342 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2011.102

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