P-150: Polymorphisms in MTHFR, ACE and AGT genes in hypertensive patients with premature atherosclerosis

Younger adults with multiple cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are at greater risk for premature peripheral atherosclerosis (PASO). We conducted a prospective evaluation of the association between hypertension and the 677C→T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, the I/D polymorphism in angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, and the A/G polymorphism in the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene in 92 patients (43% females, 84% white) ≤ 55 years of age (mean 45 yrs) with severe PASO. Forty-three hypertensive patients (44% females; Group A) were compared to 49 normotensive subjects (43% females; Group B). Patients in both groups had similar profile of CVRF, however Group A subjects had higher frequencies of dyslipidemia (79% vs 57%, P=0.03), familial premature CV disease (65% vs 39%, P=0.02) and clinical systemic atherosclerosis [sys-ASO; > 1 anatomic location] (74% vs 41% P=0.002). The Table below summarizes the genetic profile of the subjects. MTHFR ACE/DI ACE/DD AGT/AG AGT/GG AGT/AA Group A 23(53) 23(58) 13(30) 13/40(33)* 15(38)* 12(28) Group B 24(49) 26(53) 19(39) 30/44(68) 6(14) 8(18) *P