Abstract:Objective To investigate the correlation of the C242T polymorphism of NADPH oxidase p22-phox gene with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in Chinese Han hypertensive subjects. Methods A total of 286 consecutive patients of Han nationality with newly diagnosed essential hypertension admitted in our hospital from January 2008 to December 2011 were enrolled in this study. They were all evaluated with echocardiography for left ventricular mass index, and were divided into hypertension with or without LVH. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol were documented. P22-phox C242T polymorphism was analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFPL). Results The frequencies of CT genotype and T allele were significantly higher in the patients with LVH patients than those without LVH (P=0.002, P=0.005), but no any case of TT genotype was found. Logistic analysis showed that the C242T polymorphism in NADPH oxidase p22phox, as well as female sex and systolic blood pressure were independent risk factors for LVH. Compared to patients with CC genotype, the risk of LVH was decreased by 63% in those with CT genotype (P=0.007). Conclusion The C242T polymorphism in NADPH oxidase p22phox is correlated with LVH in Chinese hypertensive patients. The T allele might be protective factor for LVH.