Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Polymorphisms and Blood Pressure Elevation in the Japanese: A Cross-Sectional and a Longitudinal Study over 20 Years in the Shimane CoHRE Study

Purpose. Effects of a genetic polymorphism in the aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) on blood pressure (BP) were investigated in a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study over 20 years on Japanese rural residents. Methods. Health examinations were held through 2006 to 2012, and 3,202 participates were recruited for this study. Among these participants, 560 individuals had medical records that were obtained in a health examination 20 years ago. Genomic DNA of participants was extracted from blood and the genotype of a polymorphism in ALDH2 was determined by the TaqMan method. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine association between BP and the genetic polymorphism in the ALDH2 gene. Results. Systolic and diastolic BP were higher in the ALDH2 (∗) 1/(∗) 1 than the others (ALDH2 (∗) 1/(∗) 2 or ALDH2 (∗) 2/(∗) 2). Genetic variation of the ALDH2 gene apparently influenced drinking behavior as the number of the drinkers was significantly reduced in the ALDH2 (∗) 2/(∗) 2 after 20 years of the observation period. This polymorphism, however, did not confer a risk for BP increase in the longitudinal observation. Conclusion. The present cross-sectional study confirmed a genetic effect of the ALDH2 gene on BP. In contrast, no significant effects on BP were identified in a longitudinal study, which may require a careful consideration.