Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 SNP rs671 and susceptibility to essential hypertension in Mongolians: a case control study

The ALDH2 gene rs671 polymorphism is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in East Asian population: an updated meta-analysis

Introduction

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) had reported as a prominent role in the development of cardiometabolic diseases among Asians. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between ALDH2 polymorphism and cardiometabolic risk factors in East Asian population.

Method

We searched databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase updated to Oct 30th, 2023. We extracted data of BMI, Hypertension, SBP, DBP, T2DM, FBG, PPG, HbA1c, TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C.

Result

In total, 46 studies were finally included in our meta-analysis, containing, 54068 GG and, 36820 GA/AA participants. All outcomes related to blood pressure revealed significant results (hypertension OR=0.83 [0.80, 0.86]; SBP MD=-1.48 [-1.82, -1.14]; DBP MD=-1.09 [-1.58, -0.61]). FBG showed a significant difference (MD=-0.10 [-0.13, -0.07]), and the lipid resulted significantly in some outcomes (TG MD=-0.07 [-0.09, -0.04]; LDL-C MD=-0.04 [-0.05, -0.02]). As for subgroups analysis, we found that in populations without severe cardiac-cerebral vascular diseases (CCVDs), GG demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of T2DM (T2DM OR=0.88 [0.79, 0.97]), while the trend was totally opposite in population with severe CCVDs (T2DM OR=1.29 [1.00, 1.66]) with significant subgroup differences.

Conclusion

Our updated meta-analysis demonstrated that ALDH2 rs671 GG populations had significantly higher levels of BMI, blood pressure, FBG, TG, LDL-C and higher risk of hypertension than GA/AA populations. Besides, to the best of our knowledge, we first report GG had a higher risk of T2DM in population without severe CCVDs, and GA/AA had a higher risk of T2DM in population with severe CCVDs.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023389242.

The role of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 in cardiovascular disease

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the detoxification of alcohol-derived acetaldehyde and endogenous aldehydes. The inactivating ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism, present in up to 8% of the global population and in up to 50% of the East Asian population, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, alcohol-induced cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure and drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Although numerous studies have attributed an accumulation of aldehydes (secondary to alcohol consumption, ischaemia or elevated oxidative stress) to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this accumulation alone does not explain the emerging protective role of ALDH2 rs671 against ageing-related cardiac dysfunction and the development of aortic aneurysm or dissection. ALDH2 can also modulate risk factors associated with atherosclerosis, such as cholesterol biosynthesis and HDL biogenesis in hepatocytes and foam cell formation and efferocytosis in macrophages, via non-enzymatic pathways. In this Review, we summarize the basic biology and the clinical relevance of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic, tissue-specific roles of ALDH2 in CVD, and discuss the future directions in the research and development of therapeutic strategies targeting ALDH2. A thorough understanding of the complex roles of ALDH2 in CVD will improve the diagnosis, management and prognosis of patients with CVD who harbour the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism.

Association of Different Combinations of ALDH2 rs671, APOE rs429358, rs7412 Polymorphisms with Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Elderly People: A Case-Control Study

Background

Hypertensive patients have a younger trend, and studies on the role of genetic factors in hypertension susceptibility have been inconsistent. Aldehyde dehydrogenases 2 (ALDH2) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) are involved in the pathophysiological processes of hypertension. To investigate the relationship of ALDH2 and APOE polymorphisms with hypertension in middle-aged (30-59 years old) and elderly (≥60 years old) persons.

Methods

Two thousand six hundred and ten hypertensive patients and 1921 controls were included (between 30 and 100 years old). The genotypes of common polymorphisms in APOE and ALDH2 genes (APOE rs429358, rs7412, and ALDH2 rs671) of the subjects were analyzed by polymerase-chain reaction (PCR)-microarray. Statistical analyses (Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, χ ² test, and logistic regression analysis) were performed with SPSS v21.0.

Results

There were 4531 participants (66.60 ± 12.10 years old) in this study, including 3057 (67.5%) males and 1474 (32.5%) females. There were no significant differences in distributions of ALDH2 rs671, APOE rs429358/rs7412 genotypes and alleles between hypertensive patients and controls. Persons with ALDH2 rs671 G/A or A/A genotype were less likely to have hypertension (G/A+A/A vs G/G: gender-, age-, smoking-, and drinking-adjusted OR 0.885, 95% CI 0.785-0.997, P=0.045), while ALDH2 rs671 A/A+APOE rs429358 or rs7412 wild-type genotype may decrease the risk of hypertension. In middle-aged group, ALDH2 rs671 G/A+APOE rs429358 T/C carriers (adjusted OR 0.547, 95% CI 0.350-0.856, P=0.008), and ALDH2 rs671 A/A+APOE rs7412 C/C genotypes (adjusted OR 0.567, 95% CI 0.361-0.891, P=0.014) were less likely to have hypertension. In elderly group, APOE rs7412 T/T carriers were more likely to have hypertension (rs671 T/T vs C/C: adjusted OR 4.755, 95% CI 1.075-21.027, P=0.040; rs671 T/T vs C/C or C/T: adjusted OR 4.734, 95% CI 1.071-20.928, P=0.040).

Conclusion

Polymorphism-polymorphism interactions of ALDH2 rs671 and APOE rs429358/rs7412 may effect on hypertension susceptibility. Different genotypes comparison shows different roles in middle-aged and elderly people, respectively.

Association of ALDH2 rs671 and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphisms with hypertension among Hakka people in Southern China

Background

Genetic factors play an important role in susceptibility to hypertension. Herein, the association between acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and hypertension was analyzed among Hakka population in southern China.

Methods

A total of 3057 hypertensive patients and 2215 controls were enrolled. The ALDH2 rs671 and MTHFR rs1801133 genotyping were analyzed using gene chip. Relevant information and medical records of these subjects were collected.

Results

Hypertensive patients with ALDH2 rs671 G/A heterozygous had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) than other genotypes (P < 0.001), while hypertensive patients with A allele had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) than patients with G allele (P < 0.001). The level of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) in patients with MTHFR CC, CT and TT genotypes showed an increasing trend (P < 0.001). The ALDH2 G/A genotype in the co-dominant model (adjusted OR 1.251, 95% CI 1.024–1.528, P = 0.028) and ALDH2 A/A genotype in the recessive model (adjusted OR 1.221, 95% CI 1.008–1.478, P = 0.041) were significant risk factors for the presence of hypertension. The MTHFR C/T genotype in the co-dominant model (adjusted OR 1.307, 95% CI 1.039–1.643, P = 0.022) and MTHFR C/T and T/T genotypes in the dominant model (adjusted OR 1.281, 95% CI 1.146–1.430, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for the presence of hypertension. Further, logistic regression analysis showed that age, smoking, alcohol consumption, hyperhomocysteinemia, and high level of serum TG, Apo-A1, Apo-B were significant risks for hypertension.

Conclusions

In summary, ALDH2 rs671 G/A, A/A genotypes and MTHFR rs1801133 C/T, T/T genotypes may be risk factors for hypertension in this Chinese Hakka population.

Cataloging the potential SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with quantitative traits, viz. BMI (body mass index), IQ (intelligence quotient) and BP (blood pressure): an updated review

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants are abundant, persistent and widely distributed across the genome and are frequently linked to the development of genetic diseases. Identifying SNPs that underpin complex diseases can aid scientists in the discovery of disease-related genes by allowing for early detection, effective medication and eventually disease prevention.

Main body

Various SNP or polymorphism-based studies were used to categorize different SNPs potentially related to three quantitative traits: body mass index (BMI), intelligence quotient (IQ) and blood pressure, and then uncovered common SNPs for these three traits. We employed SNPedia, RefSNP Report, GWAS Catalog, Gene Cards (Data Bases), PubMed and Google Scholar search engines to find relevant material on SNPs associated with three quantitative traits. As a result, we detected three common SNPs for all three quantitative traits in global populations: SNP rs6265 of the BDNF gene on chromosome 11p14.1, SNP rs131070325 of the SL39A8 gene on chromosome 4p24 and SNP rs4680 of the COMT gene on chromosome 22q11.21.

Conclusion

In our review, we focused on the prevalent SNPs and gene expression activities that influence these three quantitative traits. These SNPs have been used to detect and map complex, common illnesses in communities for homogeneity testing and pharmacogenetic studies. High blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, as well as BMI, schizophrenia and IQ, can all be predicted using common SNPs. Finally, the results of our work can be used to find common SNPs and genes that regulate these three quantitative features across the genome.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Northern China: a cross-sectional study

Background

Hypertension has always been a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension among adult residents of northern China, where people usually have a high-fat, high-salt diet and heavy alcohol consumption.

Methods

Through the Early Screening and Comprehensive Intervention Project for High Risk Groups of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Inner Mongolia of northern China, we collected data of 70,380 residents, from September 2015 to June 2017. We assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the total population and sub-populations. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence and control of hypertension.

Results

Among participants, only 13.4% had optimal blood pressure levels. About 55.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 55.3–56.1%) of the participants had hypertension. In addition, the awareness, treatment, control and control under-treatment rate of hypertension were 52.8% (95%CI = 52.3–53.3%), 43.3% (95%CI = 42.8–43.8%), 8.6% (95%CI = 8.3–8.9%) and 19.8% (95%CI = 19.2–20.4%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older, male, Han, living in rural areas, current drinker, not married, lower educational level, lower annual income, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia were more likely to be suffered from hypertension (P < 0.05). Controlled hypertension was less common in those younger, Mongol, not married, farmer, current drinker, lower educational level, obesity, diabetes, without prior CHD, and without prior CVD (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Among populations aged 35–75 years in Northern China, more than half have hypertension, fewer than one-tenth have successfully controlled hypertension, and fewer than one-fifth of hypertension patients receiving treatment have controlled hypertension.

Association Between ALDH-2 rs671 and Essential Hypertension Risk or Blood Pressure Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The association between Aldehyde dehydrogenase II (ALDH-2) rs671 polymorphism and essential hypertension (EH) risk or blood pressure (BP) levels remains unclear. Objective: To systematically review the influence of the aldehyde dehydrogenase II rs671 polymorphism on essential hypertension risk and blood pressure levels. Methods: The PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI and CBM databases were electronically searched to identify case-control or cohort studies published prior to July 2019 that examined the association between the rs671 polymorphism and the risk of essential hypertension or blood pressure levels. A meta-analysis was conducted with Stata 15.1 software. Results: Twenty-two articles were included. Among these articles, 20 incorporated 30 individual studies evaluating the association between the rs671 polymorphism and EH (11,051 hypertensive patients and 15,926 normotensive controls), and 8 incorporated 12 individual studies evaluating the association between the rs671 polymorphism and BP (20,512 subjects). The results of the meta-analysis showed that the mutation of the rs671 polymorphism was associated with a significantly decreased risk of EH in all models: allelic model (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.87), homozygous model (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.63-0.80), heterozygous model (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87), dominant model (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.87), and recessive model (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68-0.85). In the stratified analyses, significant associations were found for males, drinkers and population-based studies. Simultaneously, the A carriers had lower SBP (WMD = -1.78, 95% CI: -3.02 to -0.53) and DBP (WMD = -1.09, 95% CI: -1.58 to -0.61) levels than individuals with the GG homozygote. Conclusion: The collective findings of this meta-analysis suggested that the ALDH-2 rs671 polymorphism represented an important genetic marker in the development of hypertension. Considering the overall quality of evidence and the relatively small pooled sample size, more well-conducted high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD42019129746).

Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, Control, and Related Factors of Hypertension among Tajik Nomads Living in Pamirs at High Altitude

Background

Hypertension is a global problem, for which high-altitude residents exhibit higher burden. Hypertension in Tajik nomads from Pamirs with an average altitude above 4000 m remains less studied. We aimed to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors associated with hypertension among Tajik population in Pamirs.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2015 using stratified three-stage random sampling in Taxkorgan county, Pamirs, China. Hypertension is defined as mean systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) ≥140/90 mmHg and/or taking antihypertensive medication within the past two weeks. The prevalence (SBP ≥130 or DBP ≥80 mmHg) was also estimated using the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) High Blood Pressure Guideline. The awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and associated factors were evaluated.

Results

Totally, 797 subjects aged ≥18 years were enrolled with 46.3% men and 88.8% nomads with the mean age of 42.3 ± 15.2 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.2% (140/90 mmHg), and the prevalence was as high as 40.3%, based on the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. Overall awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were 52.8%, 40.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, BMI ≥24.0 kg/m² (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.44–4.04) was a risk factor for prehypertension, and age ≥60 years (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.15–3.61), BMI ≥24.0 kg/m² (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.15–3.61), and abdominal obesity (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.09–3.22) were risk factors for hypertension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers were the most commonly used antihypertensive medication (45.4%) as monotherapy, and 13.6% of treated hypertensive patients used two drugs.

Conclusions

There is a considerable prevalence of hypertension with low awareness, treatment, and control rates among Tajik nomads in Pamirs, where health programs improving the hypertension status are urgently needed, with the excess weight loss as a strategy.

ALDH2 Gene rs671 Polymorphism May Decrease the Risk of Essential Hypertension

Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) rs671 G>A polymorphism can influence the activity of ALDH2 and may be associated with the risk of essential hypertension (EH). Although many previous studies have explored such a relationship, the conclusion is still controversial.The PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched on the ALDH2 gene and EH. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to evaluate the quality of the study. Then we calculated the strength of relationship between ALDH2 rs671 mutation and EH by utilizing odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Besides, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed and the publication bias was assessed.There were 12 studies containing 8153 cases and 10,162 controls. Our meta-analysis showed significant association between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and EH in four genetic models (the allele model, the homozygote model, the heterozygote model, and the dominant model), whereas it did not indicate this connection in the recessive model. However, a trend of decreased risk still could be seen. Furthermore, we also found an obvious association between rs671 mutation and the risk of EH in the male group than in the female group in all five genetic models.We concluded that ALDH2 rs671 G>A polymorphism may decrease the risk of EH. Furthermore, susceptibility to EH reduced in males but not in females. As a variant in ALDH2, rs671 G>A could be an attractive candidate for genetic therapy of EH. In addition, more case-control studies should be conducted to strengthen our conclusion and evaluate the gene-gene and gene-environment interactions between the ALDH2 gene and EH.

Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control and Related Factors of Hypertension in Multiethnic Agriculture, Stock-Raising, and Urban Xinjiang, Northwest China: A Cross-Sectional Screening for 47000 Adults

Background

Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Distribution of hypertension and related factors among multiethnic population in Northwest China remains scarce. The aim was to determine prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors associated with hypertension among multiethnic population in Northwest China.

Methods

We conducted a blood pressure (BP) screening project covering a third of adults in Emin Xinjiang, Northwest China, during 2014–2016. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or taking antihypertension drugs. We compared prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and related factors by different regions (agriculture, stock-raising, or urban) and by ethnic groups.

Results

Totally 47,040 adults were screened with 48.5% women. Overall prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were 26.5%, 64.6%, 44.5%, and 15.3%, respectively. Age-gender-adjusted hypertension prevalence was higher in urban (28.2%) than in other regions and in Kazakh (30.3%) than in others. The lowest awareness and treatment rates were observed in the agricultural region and in Kazakh subjects, while the lowest control was in the stock-raising region (13.8%) and in Kazakh subjects (12.6%). After adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, and regions, compared to normal weight, nonsmokers, and nondrinkers, obesity, smoking, and alcohol intake were significantly related to increased prevalence of hypertension by 94%, 1.5, and 3.9 folds, respectively.

Conclusions

Disparities in hypertension control among regions and ethnic groups suggested inadequate screening and treatment, especially in stock-raising regions and Kazakh populations. Control of alcohol intake, smoking, and obesity should be at high priority of health promotion.

Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 rs671 Polymorphism Affects Hypertension Susceptibility and Lipid Profiles in a Chinese Population

Previous studies revealed that the rs671 polymorphism in the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genes is correlated with alcohol consumption in Japanese population. The ALDH2 gene variants and drinking are associated with hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, it remains unclear whether there might be potent relationships among ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in Shandong population. A total of 467 male volunteers from Shandong area were enrolled in this study. The ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in serum were measured using commercial kits. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. The significance of differences between subgroups was determined using chi-square test, and multiple comparisons were performed with the least-significant difference method. The ALDH2 variant frequencies were 80.5% with GG, 17.1% with GA, and 2.4% with AA. The ALDH2 genotypes had significant correlations with alcohol consumption (p = 0.001), whereas the GA genotype was associated with a decreased risk of alcohol consumption (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% confidence interval = 0.130-0.539; p = 0.001). The ALDH2 genotypes frequencies and drinking habits were significantly different between hypertension and healthy individuals (p = 0.034; p = 0.044). The ALDH2 GG genotype individuals have high average lipids levels, and the proportion of TC disorder among GG individuals was higher than that of GA individuals (p = 0.006). Individuals who had drinking habits have a high average lipids levels; especially average TC levels (p = 0.048), and had high proportions of dyslipidemia (TC and HDL; p = 0.016 and p = 0.033, respectively). The frequencies of ALDH2 variants were evaluated according to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium among enrolled population. Our study suggested that the individuals with ALDH2 rs671 GA genotype were less prone to developing a drinking habit in Shandong population. The ALDH2 genotypes and drinking habit were associated with hypertension and lipid profiles especially TC profile in Shandong province. The ALDH2 rs671 genotypes indicated that the gene-related drinking habit and gene variant altogether may affect hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Not just correlative: a new pathway defines how an ALDH2 SNP contributes to atherosclerosis

Individuals with the rs671 SNP in the gene encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, it has been unclear if this mutation contributes to CVD development. In this issue of the JCI, Zhong et al. perform an elegant set of experiments that reveal a pathway wherein the ALDH2 rs671 mutant is phosphorylated by AMPK and translocates to the nucleus where it represses the transcription of a lysosomal H+ pump subunit that is critical for lipid degradation and foam cell formation, as occurs in atherosclerosis. The discovery of this pathway may explain how subjects harboring ALDH2 rs671 are at a greater risk for numerous other disease states and thereby provide new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Associations between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 genetic polymorphisms, lifestyles and hypertension risk in Chinese Han people

Hypertension is a multiple factor disease which was influenced by gene, environment, and lifestyle. Several studies confirmed that the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism is associated with hypertension. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. Whether lifestyle affects blood pressure in different genotype groups have not been clarified, either. The subjects were adult Chinese Han people who received health examination in the period from December 2014 to December 2015. Detection of the ALDH2 r671 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Lifestyle data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Basic characteristics and fasting venous blood sample were collected at baseline. 4018 subjects were eligible for participation.The frequencies of the ALDH2 rs671 genotype were 68.67% (GG), 28.67%(GL), 2.66%(LL), respectively. Pepole who harbored the L allele were less likely to develop incident hypertension. There was a significant association between food frequency and hypertension in the L genotype group. Fried food intake was significantly increased the risk of hypertension in the L genotype group. Our study suggested that ALDH2 rs671 L-genotypes are protective factors for hypertension in Han Chinese. Consumption of fried food accelerated the development of hypertension in individuals with poor metabolism of acetaldehyde.

The ALDH2 gene rs671 polymorphism is not associated with essential hypertension

Essential hypertension (EH) is a worldwide problem. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene has been suggested to be correlated with EH. However, the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the associations of ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism with EH in a Chinese Han population in Shanghai. Genotype of ALDH2 rs671 was analyzed in 1923 EH patients and 1115 control subjects. We found no association between ALDH2 rs671 and EH risk or EH-related quantitative blood chemistry values. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was performed and the summary results from 11220 patients and 8339 control subjects were consistent with our findings. These results indicated that rs671 of ALDH2 may not associate with the risk of EH.

Positive association between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and essential hypertension: A case-control study and meta-analysis

Background and objective

Several studies have been conducted to examine the association between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphism and essential hypertension (EH). However, the results remain inconsistent. This study aimed to clarify the association between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and EH susceptibility.

Methods

One thousand and ninety-four cases and 1236 controls who were ethnic Han Chinese were collected for this population-based case-control study. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, using allele contrast, dominant, recessive, and co-dominant models using fixed or random-effect models.

Results

Significant differences were observed between EH cases and controls at the level of both genotype (χ² = 6.656, P<0.05) and alleles (χ² = 6.314, P<0.05). An additional meta-analysis using 4204 cases and 5435 controls established that rs671 was significantly associated with EH (P<0.00001).

Conclusion

The results of our case-control study and meta-analysis showed that there is a significant association between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and EH susceptibility. In addition, the results of the breakdown analysis by gender suggest a male-specific association between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and EH.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control and risk factors related to hypertension among urban adults in Inner Mongolia 2014: differences between Mongolian and Han populations

BACKGROUND

Han and Mongolian populations constitute approximately 96% of the population of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the two ethnic groups have different genetic backgrounds and lifestyle. We aim to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and related risk factors of hypertension among urban adults in Inner Mongolia, with the comparison of the differences between Mongolian and Han populations in this respect.

METHODS

Three thousand two hundred fifty-one individuals aged 20-80 years (2326 Han and 925 Mongolian) were selected using a multistage cluster sampling method from Inner Mongolia in 2014. The adjusted prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were evaluated by the Logistic regression. In addition, possible interactions were also tested. When interactions were found significant, strata-specific analysis were performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used for estimating independent associations between risk factors and hypertension.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension was 27.47% for Han population, 31.46% for Mongolian population. The adjusted prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 26.45, 65.43, 78.24 and 48.28% in Han, and 31.30, 68.22, 85.57 and 50.55% in Mongolian, respectively. There was no significant difference in the adjusted awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among Mongolian and Han adult residents (all P >0.05). Lower prevalence of hypertension was associated with younger age and healthy weight in both Mongolian and Han adults. Within Han adults, high education, moderate physical activity and non-alcohol drinkers were additionally associated with lower prevalence of hypertension, whereas within Mongolian adults, lower prevalence was associated with being female. Among residents with medium education level, nondrinkers had 0.60 times lower odds of having hypertension than current drinkers (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44-0.82); among residents with high education level, nondrinkers has 0.65 times lower odds of having hypertension than current drinkers (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Mongolian population had a higher prevalence of hypertension than Han population. There were no significant difference between Mongolian and Han population in awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, which suggested that there was no difference between the two ethnicities in the distribution of health resources.

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 accentuates aging-induced cardiac remodeling and contractile dysfunction: role of AMPK, Sirt1, and mitochondrial function

Cardiac aging is associated with compromised myocardial function and morphology although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an essential mitochondrial enzyme governing cardiac function, displays polymorphism in humans. This study was designed to examine the role of ALDH2 in aging-induced myocardial anomalies. Myocardial mechanical and intracellular Ca(2+) properties were examined in young (4-5 months) and old (26-28 months) wild-type and ALDH2 transgenic mice. Cardiac histology, mitochondrial integrity, O2(-) generation, apoptosis, and signaling cascades, including AMPK activation and Sirt1 level were evaluated. Myocardial function and intracellular Ca(2+) handling were compromised with advanced aging; the effects were accentuated by ALDH2. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining revealed cardiac hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis associated with greater left-ventricular mass and wall thickness in aged mice. ALDH2 accentuated aging-induced cardiac hypertrophy but not fibrosis. Aging promoted O2(-) release, apoptosis, and mitochondrial injury (mitochondrial membrane potential, levels of UCP-2 and PGC-1α), and the effects were also exacerbated by ALDH2. Aging dampened AMPK phosphorylation and Sirt1, the effects of which were exaggerated by ALDH2. Treatment with the ALDH2 activator Alda-1 accentuated aging-induced O2(-) generation and mechanical dysfunction in cardiomyocytes, the effects of which were mitigated by cotreatment with activators of AMPK and Sirt1, AICAR, resveratrol, and SRT1720. Examination of human longevity revealed a positive correlation between life span and ALDH2 gene mutation. Taken together, our data revealed that ALDH2 enzyme may accentuate myocardial remodeling and contractile dysfunction in aging, possibly through AMPK/Sirt1-mediated mitochondrial injury.

Association of a Missense ALDH2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (Glu504Lys) With Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in a Korean Population

Purpose

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a well-known gene involved in alcohol and aldehyde metabolism. Moreover, recent studies have reported associations between ALDH2 and age-related disorders. Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disorder and genetic factors may contribute to its onset. In this study, we investigated the association of a well-studied ALDH2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs671, with the onset and clinical features of BPH.

Methods

A total of 222 BPH patients and 214 control subjects were genotyped. The clinical features of the BPH patients (prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen level, and International Prostatic Symptom Score) were analyzed.

Results

The results show that rs671 was only associated with the volume of BPH in genotype and allele frequencies (P<0.05).

Conclusion

We propose that rs671 is an Asian-specific SNP in ALDH2 that may affect the disease progression of BPH in the Korean population.

Lack of an association between TSC gene Arg904Gln polymorphisms and essential hypertension risk based on a meta-analysis

Although there have been several studies investigating a possible association between essential hypertension and TSC gene Arg904Gln polymorphisms, the results have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis of four case-control studies (one study in Europe and three studies in Asia), including 1811 essential hypertension cases and 1381 controls. The pooled results showed no significant associations between any of these polymorphisms and essential hypertension (allele Arg vs allele Gln: odds ratio (OR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.70-1.27), additive genetic model (Arg/Arg vs Gln/Gln: OR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.43-2.23), dominant genetic model (Arg/Arg + Arg/Gln vs Gln/ Gln: OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.43-2.21), and recessive genetic model (Arg/ Arg vs Arg/Gln + Gln/Gln: OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 0.45-2.35). Based on the results of our meta-analysis, we conclude that the TSC gene Arg904Gln polymorphism is not associated with essential hypertension risk.