Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in JapanEthnic difference of ACE genotype

Abstract

A polymorphism of the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has recently been reported and analysis of this polymorphism has indicated that it is associated with several cardiovascular diseases. However, the results are still controversial and such association has not yet been established conclusively. To determine whether the ACE gene may be responsible for essential hypertension in a Japanese population, we also compared the distribution of genotypes and the allele frequency of this polymorphism in our findings of a Japanese population with these features in other countries. Eighty-seven hypertensive patients with a family history of essential hypertension and 95 normotensive patients whose parents had no such history were enrolled in the study. Polymorphism of the ACE gene was determined by using the polymerase chain reaction. Homozygotes for this polymorphism had either a 490-bp band (II) or a 190-bp band (DD) and heterozygotes had both bands (ID). In hypertensive subjects, the numbers and frequency of the ACE genotypes were: II, 44 (0.51); ID, 26 (0.30); DD, 17 (0.19). In normotensive subjects these were: II, 35 (0.37); ID, 43 (0.45); DD, 17 (0.18). There were no significant differences between the two groups in derived allele frequencies (chi 2 = 1.41). The difference between the overall allelic frequency in Japan and that reported in several other countries was significant. We did not find any association between ACE gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in Japan. However, there were significant differences in derived allele frequencies between our findings in a Japanese population and those reported from Europe and Australia.

A Modern Understanding of the Traditional and Nontraditional Biological Functions of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme

“…Gu et al (1994) also reported a lack of association between the I/D polymorphism in a hypertensive Belgian population (n = 119) compared with controls, regardless of age or sex. In Japanese patients with essential hypertension, Ishigami et al (1995) reported that there was no association with ACE I/D polymorphism. Barley et al (1996) suggested that there may be racial differences in the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with hypertension in that subjects of European descent showed no association between ACE genotype and blood pressure, whereas subjects of African Carribean descent did.…”

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in Nepal

“…21 Although only one study, 18 but not others 15,16,19 including this study, reported the association between this polymorphism and patients with essential hypertension, recent reports 11 suggested that this polymorphism may be associated with salt sensitivity. They found increased II genotype in salt-sensitive hypertension.…”

“…The ACE genotype was determined by the PCR technique according to the method of Rigat et al 14 with minor modifications. 15 PCR products were analysed by 1.6% agarose gel electrophoresis and visualised with ethidium bromide staining for allele identification. A 490 bp fragment (in the presence of the insertion allele) and a 190 bp fragment (in the absence of the insertion allele) were identified.…”

Association of essential hypertension in elderly Japanese with I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene

“…Efforts to establish an association between essential hypertension and the ACE gene I/D polymorphism have been undertaken in different human populations, sometimes with negative results (Harrap et al 1993;Higashimori et al 1993;Schmidt et al 1993;Ishigami et al 1995a), although others have described a positive correlation (Zee et al 1992;Morris et al 1994). The results of some of these studies suggest that the effect of the ACE polymorphism in the etiology of hypertension may vary according to whether patients are classified by sex, race, or age.…”