Relationship between ALDH2 polymorphisms and atherosclerosis in elderly patients

Objective To investigate the correlation between ALDH2 polymorphisms and atherosclerosis in elderly patients. Methods From March to September in 2015, 224 hospitalized elderly patients (＞ 70 years) were assessed in Chinese PLA General Hospital, the patients were divided into two groups according to their ALDH2 genotypes: wild genotype group (GG, n=136) and mutant genotypes group (GA or AA, n=88). The baseline data, carotid ultrasound (including carotid artery intima-media thickness and Crouse score), ankle brachial index (ABI) and baPWV were measured. Results The Crouse score, ABI and baPWV (2.11±1.80) vs (3.45±1.52), (1.13±0.24) vs (0.89±0.21), (1 390.63±92.37) vs (1 677.12±89.54) of mutant genotypes group were higher than wild genotype with statistically significant differences between two groups (P＜ 0.05). Conclusion ALDH2 genotypes are closely related to atherosclerosis, and the mutant genotype of ALDH2 is a risk factor of atherosclerosis.