Genetic and environmental influences on blood pressure and physical activity: a study of nuclear families from Muzambinho, Brazil

Author(s)

Forjaz, C. L. M. ^[1] ; Bartholomeu, T. ^[1] ; Rezende, J. A. S. ^[2] ; Oliveira, J. A. ^[3] ; Basso, L. ^[3] ; Tani, G. ^[3] ; Prista, A. ^[4] ; Maia, J. A. R. ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Escola Educ Fis & Esporte, Lab Hemodinam Atividade Motora LAHAM, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Escola Super Educ Fis Muzambinho, Muzambinho, MG - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Escola Educ Fis & Esporte, Lab Comportamento Motor LACOM, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Pedag, Fac Educ Fis & Desporto, Maputo - Mozambique

^[5] Univ Porto, Fac Desporto, CIFI2D, Lab Cineantropometria & Gabinete Estat Aplicada, P-4100 Oporto - Portugal

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 45, n. 12, p. 1269-1275, DEC 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Blood pressure (BP) and physical activity (PA) levels are inversely associated. Since genetic factors account for the observed variation in each of these traits, it is possible that part of their association may be related to common genetic and/or environmental influences. Thus, this study was designed to estimate the genetic and environmental correlations of BP and PA phenotypes in nuclear families from Muzambinho, Brazil. Families including 236 offspring (6 to 24 years) and their 82 fathers and 122 mothers (24 to 65 years) were evaluated. BP was measured, and total PA (TPA) was assessed by an interview (commuting, occupational, leisure time, and school time PA). Quantitative genetic modeling was used to estimate maximal heritability (h(2)), and genetic and environmental correlations. Heritability was significant for all phenotypes (systolic BP: h(2) = 0.37 +/- 0.10, P < 0.05; diastolic BP: h(2) = 0.39 +/- 0.09, P < 0.05; TPA: h(2) = 0.24 +/- 0.09, P < 0.05). Significant genetic (r(g)) and environmental (r(e)) correlations were detected between systolic and diastolic BP (r(g) = 0.67 +/- 0.12 and r(e) = 0.48 +/- 0.08, P < 0.05). Genetic correlations between BP and TPA were not significant, while a tendency to an environmental cross-trait correlation was found between diastolic BP and TPA (r(e) = -0.18 +/- 0.09, P = 0.057). In conclusion, BP and PA are under genetic influences. Systolic and diastolic BP share common genes and environmental influences. Diastolic BP and TPA are probably under similar environmental influences. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/18638-6 - Cardiovascular risk and physical activity: a study in nuclear families
• Grantee: Cláudia Lúcia de Moraes Forjaz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research