OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between Shen-deficiency syndrome (SDS) and the insert/deficit (I/D) polymorphism types (PMTs) of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene in longevous elders in Bama area of Guangxi municipality.

METHODSThe investigation on 27 centenarians (Group A), 56 elders of 90-99 years old (Group B) and 114 of 60-89 years old (Group C) was carried out by questionnaire, and the polymorphism was detected using polymerize chain reaction detection, single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, and direct sequencing technique. And the study was controlled by 79 naturally died elders within 60-70 years old.

RESULTSThe presenting frequencies of SDS in various PMT were D/D, I/D and I/I in rising order. The frequencies of PMT, I/I, I/D and D/D, were 37.04% (10/27), 33.33% (9/27), and 29.63% (8/27) respectively; the frequency rates of I and D alleles were 53.70% (29/54) and 46.30% (25/54) in Group A. Comparison of frequency of D/D and D allele between groups showed that Group A was significantly different to Group C (P<0.05) and also to the control (P<0.01), while all the frequencies in Group A and B were rather identical, showing insignificant difference (P>0.05). SSCP analysis showed no significant difference in D/D among groups. Outcomes of direct sequencing test further proved the correctness of I/D ACE polymorphism detection.

CONCLUSIONSDS is closely correlated with ACE gene polymorphism and life span. Whereas, other multiple factors that influence longevity should also be taken into consideration.