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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels and ACE gene polymorphisms have been related with hypertension but with contradictory results between populations. We have investigated the association among the allelic distribution of the insertion-deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene, identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serum ACE activity determined by spectrophotometry, and the blood pressure (BP), in a Mediterranean population in the southwest of Europe. A total of 1322 randomised individuals were analysed, and a comparative study was conducted analysing 205 indi-

This study investigates the association between the allelic distribution of two polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene (T174M and M235T in the polypeptide chain) and blood pressure (BP) in a Mediterranean population in the south-west of Europe. The sample consists of 1322 participants from urban and rural areas, from the province of Albacete (218,462 inhabitants), located in the south-east of Spain. The subsample of this study, adjusted by age (over 18 years old) and sex, consists of 401 individuals. A case-control study is conducted which analyses 205 individuals from the group with the highest BP (fifth quintile) and 196 from the group with the lowest BP (first quintile). In addition, a comparative and associated analysis of these polymorphisms with BP level and family history of hypertension is carried out. The T174 allele proved to be more common in the fifth quintile group, although not statistically so. When the presence of threonine was analysed in both polymorphism positions (174 and 235), the TTTT genotype was found to be more common in the fifth quintile than in the first quintile. Moreover, the TTTT genotype was significantly more common in individuals with a family history of hypertension, indicating that it could be considered a predisposing factor to high BP in individuals from such families. In addition, the T174M-T235T genotype was more common in the first quintile group, and showed significant association (P=0.05) with the group that had no family history of hypertension.

Background Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a challenging clinical problem due to itsnon- specific signs and symptoms, inaccessibility of the central nervous system (CNS) tissue for pathologic examination, lack of efficient non-invasive diagnostic tests and the relative rarity of it presentation. Secondary central nervous system vasculitis (SCNSV) occurs in association with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD), infections, lymphoproliferative diseases, drug abuse, and systemic vasculitis. Objectives To compare the initial clinical, laboratory and imaging features in primary central nervous system vaculitis (PCNSV) versus secondary central nervous system vasculitis (SCNSV) and follow-up after treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV CYC) plus methylprednisolone (MP). Methods Neurological (focal and non-focal manifestations), laboratory (cerebrospinal fluid and immunological tests) and neuroimaging findings were analyzed in PCNSV and SCNSV patients. Both groups received at onset MPplus IV CYC during 6 months, followed by bimonthly IV CYC plus oral glucocorticosteroids (CGS) for 12 months. All the patients were followed for 36 months. Results Thirty patients were included (12 PCNSV and 18 SCNSV). Focal and non- focal manifestations were similar in both groups (p=NS); headache being the most frequent manifestation in both groups. Fatigue, myalgias, arthralgias, neuropathy low leukocytes and platelets, elevatederythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive ANA, anti ds-DNA, ANCA, low complement, and rheumatoid factor were more frequent in SCNSV (p<0.05). In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis and proteins were higher in PCNSV (p<0.05). Periventricular and subcortical hyperintense lesions were observed incranial magnetic resonance imaging in both vasculitides. Cerebral angiography and angioresonance showed narrowing of vasculature in both groups. After treatment, Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed higher relapse free survival in PCNSV (p<0.05). Conclusions There are significant differences in the clinical manifestations, laboratory, and CSF findings between PCNSV and SCNSV. After treatment with IV CYC and GCS patients with PCNSV had higher relapse-free survival than SCNSV. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

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