Renal function in relation to three candidate genes

We recently found that femoral intima media thickness, as well as the incidence of hypertension, is influenced by genes encoding the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE; insertion/deletion [I/D]) polymorphism, alpha-adducin (Gly460Trp), and aldosterone synthase (-344C/T). By interfering with blood pressure or sodium homeostasis, these genetic polymorphisms also may change renal function. We therefore investigated serum creatinine level, calculated and measured creatinine clearances, and 24-hour urinary protein excretion in subjects previously genotyped for these three polymorphisms. The 1,454 participants drawn at random from the population (64.3% of those invited) were aged 43.4 years and included 744 women (51.2%). Blood pressure, measured by study nurses at subjects' homes, averaged 123/76 mm Hg. Mean values were 90 micromol/L for serum creatinine; 84 and 88 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for calculated and measured (n = 855) creatinine clearances, respectively; and 90 mg/d of protein for proteinuria (n = 556). The prevalence of mild renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance