Association between polymorphism of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene and H-type hypertension in the elderly

Abstract

Objective To explore the association between the polymorphism rs671 site of the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene and H-type hypertension in the elderly in Han nationality in Qingdao. Methods Totally 406 patients aged 60-90 years with primary hypertension were randomly selected in the study. Serum levels of homocysteine(Hcy), folate and vitamin B12 were determined and all patients were divided into H-type hypertension group and non H-type hypertension group. Gene chip technology was used to analyze the ALDH2 (rs671) polymorphism, and the association between ALDH2 gene and H-type hypertension was evaluated. Results Of all hypertensive participants, 82.0% (333/406) were in H-type hypertension, 87.4% (221/253) in male and 73.2% (112/153) in female. The GA/AA genotype and A allele frequency were higher in H-type hypertension group than in non H-type hypertension group 〔37.2%(124/333) vs. 16.4%(12/73) and 21.3%(71/333) vs. 9.6%(7/73), P=0.001 and 0.021〕. Serum Hcy level and the prevalence of H-type hypertension were higher in GA/AA genotype group than in GG genotype group(both P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that GA/AA genotype, gender (male), drinking, folate deficiency and increased systolic pressure were the risk factors for H-type hypertension (OR=3.17, 2.14, 2.37, 0.75, 1.03, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions The genetic variation of ALDH2(rs671)may increase Hcy level by decreasing the levels of folate and vitamin B12. GA/AA genotype is a risk factor for H-type hypertension, and it contributes to H-type hypertension together with gender, drinking history, folate levels and systolic pressure. Key words: Adehyde oxidoreductases; Polymorphism, single nucleotide; Hypertension