Angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene (ACE) polymorphisms are associated with dysregulation of biochemical parameters in hypertensive patients.

Abstract

Introduction The genetic component, including genes and their variants, plays a signifcant role in the pathophysiology of

arterial hypertension (AH). Thus, clinical, epidemiological and genetic studies have been carried out to improve the under- standing of disease mechanisms, improve diagnostic quality and contribute to prevention.

Objective To determine the association of risk factors, biochemical parameters and diferent ACE gene polymorphisms with AH.

Method The case-control study was carried out in the population of Ouro Preto, Brazil. The subjects answered a question- naire containing clinical and sociodemographic data. The ACE gene polymorphisms rs4291, rs4363 and rs4335 were evalu- ated by real time-polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) in 310 people (155 hypertensive and 155 normotensive patients),

in addition to biochemical parameters. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with AH. Analysis of continuous variables was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to assess signifcance between groups and Dunn’s post-test for multiple comparisons. Results The results showed that AH was associated with age, education, smoking, obesity and high levels of triglycerides,

sodium, glucose and uric acid. Regarding the biochemical parameters, in hypertensive patients, the rs4363 and rs4335 poly- morphisms were associated with high levels of triglycerides, urea and glucose; the rs4291 polymorphism was associated

with elevated urea and glucose levels. No association was detected between SNPs and HA. Conclusion AH was associated with socioeconomic status, lifestyle habits and biochemical parameters. ACE polymorphisms may have infuenced the levels of triglycerides, urea and glucose in hypertensive patients.