Background: The DD genotype of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene appears to be an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy and an increased incidence and rate of progression of renal disease. The high incidence of renal disease and end-stage renal failure in the Australian Aboriginal population has prompted investigation of ACE genotypes in these people.
Methods: ACE genotypes were determined in four groups: (i) normal Australian Caucasian blood donors (n = 100), (ii) Caucasian renal transplant recipients (n = 173), (iii) normal Australian Aboriginals from a single tribe (n = 184), and (iv) Australian Aboriginals included in the renal-transplant programme (n = 94).
Findings: The D allele frequency in the normal Australian Caucasian (54.5%) and renal transplant groups (57.2%) was similar. However, the D allele frequency in the normal Australian Aboriginal (3%) and Aboriginal renal patient group (14.4%) was significantly lower than both Caucasian groups.
Interpretation: The D allele of the ACE gene has little or no influence on the renal disease of Australian Aboriginals.