Angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in two ethnic groups living in Brazil's southern region: association with age

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been published on the association between ACE (angiotensin I-converting enzyme) polymorphism and longevity. However, the results are controversial. METHODS: We analyzed the association between ACE polymorphism and age in two different ethnic populations: a population originating from different European countries (Gaucha Population, GP) and a population originating from Japan (JP). Both populations live in Brazil's southern region. RESULTS: We determined the ACE genotype in 834 persons aged 10-104 years. The ACE genotype and allele frequencies differed between the two populations, with the D allele being more frequent in GP than JP. We found an association between the DD genotype and D allele and age in the GP group only. The ACE polymorphism-age association occurred at age >60 years in the GP population with decreasing II frequency. CONCLUSION: We cannot dismiss the possibility of the association between ACE polymorphism and age involving linkage disequilibrium, since the nature of this phenomenon is still controversial. From our studies, it appears that there is a correlation between age, ethnicity, and ACE polymorphism. More of such studies are warranted, as further investigation in this area will have a high clinical relevance to cardiovascular disease and aging research.