The effect of ALDH2 rs671 gene mutation on clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in a big data study of Chinese population: associations differ between the sexes

BACKGROUND: The ALDH2 rs671 genetic polymorphism has been linked with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but comprehensive epidemiological studies are lacking. An observational, retrospective big data study was carried out to evaluate the associations between this polymorphism and clustering cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) in a Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 13,101 individuals (8431 males and 4670 females) were enrolled. Genetic polymorphism was assessed using gene mutation detection kits, coupled with an automatic fluorescent analyzer. Other data were obtained from the records of the Department of Health Care at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. RESULTS: Comparing the concentrations of common biochemical analytes, including BMI, SBP, DBP, ALT, AST, γ-GT, TBil, Cr, Glu, TC, TG, and HDL-C among individuals with the GG, GA, and AA genotypes of ALDH2 rs671, we found significant differences in males (all p < 0.001), but not in females. For males, the frequencies of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity were significantly higher for GG than for GA or AA (all p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference for dyslipidemia, and no significant associations were observed for all frequencies in females. The prevalence of individuals with 1–4 CRFs was significantly higher among GG males than those carrying GA or AA, and fewer GG males had non-CRFs (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of ALDH2 rs671 are associated with clustering CRFs, especially hypertension and diabetes in males, but not in females. These associations are likely mediated by alcohol intake, which is also associated with this gene.