Polymorphism in the angiotensin converting enzyme but not in the angiotensinogen gene is associated with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: the Skaraborg Hypertension and Diabetes Project

Objective To study the association between polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene and angiotensinogen (AGT) gene and hypertensi on and/or type 2 diabetes in a community population. Patients and methods The insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism of the ACE gene and the M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene were genotyped in 773 nond iabetic individuals with hypertension, 193 normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes, 243 patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and in 820 normotensive control individuals identified in a community-based study. Results The DD genotype was associated with hypertension in individuals les s than 70 years [odds ratio (OR) = 1.54, confidence interval (CI) = 1.09-2. 18] and remained so when patients with type 2 diabetes were excluded from t he analysis (OR = 1.45, CI = 1.01 -2.09). The strongest association was wit h the combination of type 2 diabetes and hypertension (OR = 2.19, CI = 1.09 -4.38). There was no association with type 2 diabetes without hypertension. No association was observed between the M235T variant or the 3'-microsatel litepolymorphism of the AGT gene and hypertension. Conclusion The D-allele of the ACE gene ID polymorphism increases susceptib ility to hypertension, particularly when associated with type 2 diabetes. N o association was observed between the M235T variant or 3'-microsatellite p olymorphism of the AGT gene and hypertension. (C) Lippincott Williams & Wil kins.