Characterization of arginase 1 gene polymorphisms in the Algerian population and association with blood pressure.

Objectives: (i) To characterize the polymorphism of arginase 1 (ARG1), a new candidate gene in coronary heart disease (CHD), in the Algerian population; (ii) To evaluate the effect of common ARG1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on blood pressure (BP) values; and (iii) To compare the data with those previously obtained in French populations.

Methods: Eleven ARG1 SNPs selected from databases were characterized in a representative sample of 117 Algerian and 92 French males free of CHD. Relevant SNPs for association studies with BP were selected on the basis of their allele frequencies and pairwise linkage disequilibrium.

Results: ARG1 allele frequencies and haplotype distribution significantly differed between Algerian and French subjects. The rs2781667C/T polymorphism was associated with decreased systolic BP in Algerian subjects. This association contrasted with previous data we reported in the French population. The discrepancy would be explained by the difference in haplotype distribution between Algerian and French subjects.

Conclusion: These data support the role of ARG1 in vascular pathophysiology, but the functional mutations remain to be identified.