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Background: Tubular proteinuria and enzymuria are hallmarks of endemic nephropathy (EN). The role of I/D angiotensin convertase (ACE) gene polymorphism has not yet been elucidated in this peculiar chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, and our aim was to investigate the role of this polymorphism in EN focusing on the urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) excretion, a biomarker of proximal tubular damage., Methods: ACE genotype and allele frequencies were determined in 229 farmers (147 women and 82 men) from an endemic Croatian village. The farmers were stratified according to the WHO criteria into the following subgroups: those 'at risk' for EN (n = 37), 'suspected of having EN' (n = 57), and 'others' (n = 135)., Results: There were 74 (32.3%) subjects homozygous for the D allele, 99 (43.2%) heterozygous (ID genotype) and 56 (24.4%) homozygous for the I allele. No differences in allele frequency were found between the established WHO subgroups (p > 0.05). In the whole group, DD subjects had significantly higher values of diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003) and urinary NAG than subjects with ID and II genotype (5.5 ± 1.2 vs. 4.0 ± 3.0 vs. 3.8 ± 4.2, respectively; p = 0.023). The highest values of serum creatinine (p = 0.02), proteinuria (p = 0.03) and urinary NAG (6.0 ± 3.7 vs. 3.7 ± 2.1 vs. 3.0 ± 1.6, respectively; p = 0.008) were observed in those suspected of having EN group with the DD genotype., Conclusion: ACE gene polymorphism is not a risk factor for EN. However, it might influence the clinical course of EN, and increased excretion of NAG might be a prognostic marker of this chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis., (2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Arterial hypertension (AH) is the most important independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of AH is higher than it was several decades before, and in Europe it is approximately 40%. A higher prevalence of AH has been reported in Europe than in the United States and Canada. According to the results of epidemiology of arterial hypertension in Croatia study (EH-UH), the prevalence of AH in Croatia is 37.5%. Women are more aware, they were treated more often, and blood pressure control was more frequently achieved than in men. However, body mass index and socioeconomic factors have a greater influence on blood pressure values and prevalence of AH in women. A low level of health education and inappropriate treatment are the most important reasons for the poor blood pressure control observed. Measures of primary prevention should be performed continuously and adjusted to special population subgroups. As an increase of obesity and hypertension was observed in school children, these measures should start at that age.

Poor control of blood pressure (BP) is one of the main reasons for high cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to analyse control of BP in outpatient settings in four biggest towns in Croatia. The study included 412 medical doctors (GP) and 7031 middle-aged patients (62.9 +/- 11.5 years). Mean BP in treated patients was 162.9 +/- 16.8/95.6 +/- 9.9 mmHg. There were no statistically significant differences in systolic (p = 0.173) and diastolic (p = 0.561) BP between men and women. In this group of patients only 8% achieved target BP values. In contrast, and surprisingly, 44.5% of medical doctors and 72% of patients were satisfied with obtained BP control. Higher percentage of male patients vs. female were satisfied with blood pressure control (81.9%:66.9%). BMI < 25 was registered in 22.9% of hypertensive patients, and there was statistically significant difference in BMI between men and women (chi2 = 56.769, p < 0.001). In this study we found a statistically significant difference of hypertension in regard to BMI in both sexes (chi2 = 46.339, p < 0.001; chi(z)2 = 45.992, p = 0.024). BMI was in correlation with severity of hypertension as well as with obtained treatment result. BMI was in correlation with the number of prescribed drugs. According to this, patients with BMI < 25 were prescribed less drugs than those with BMI > 30 (1.4:1,6 p = 0.001). BP control in Croatia is, according to this study, very poor. The main reason for such situation is, beside obesity which determines the stage of hypertension and BP control in both sexes, insufficiently developed conscience in patients and doctors about the importance of stronger blood pressure control. The results indicate the necessity for the more intensive education of the population.