Genetic Basis of Hypertension in a Rural Yoruba Population: A Candidate Gene Approach in Osun State

Hypertension is a major non-communicable disease with both environmental and polygenic determinants. In Nigerian populations, particularly among the Yoruba of South West Nigeria, the condition demonstrates familial aggregation suggesting heritable components. This preliminary study examined the association between selected candidate gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension in a rural Yoruba community in Osun State. A case-control design enrolled 120 hypertensive individuals and 120 normotensive age- and sex-matched controls from Ejigbo Local Government Area. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes using a commercial extraction kit. Genotyping of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion polymorphism was performed using allele-specific PCR. Blood pressure measurements and anthropometric data were recorded following standard protocols. The DD genotype of the ACE gene was significantly more prevalent among hypertensive participants compared to controls, suggesting a possible association in this Yoruba population. Body mass index and dietary salt intake were also identified as significant environmental modifiers. These findings provide a basis for expanded multi-locus association studies in Yoruba communities and contribute to understanding ethnic variation in hypertension genetics across Nigeria. Keywords: hypertension, ACE gene polymorphism, Yoruba, candidate gene, Osun State