The Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Gene Insertion/Deletion Dimorphism Tracks with Higher Serum ACE Activities in Both Younger and Older Subjects

Abstract

Background:The absence of a 287 base pair alu sequence in the ACE gene (D allele) is associated with higher ACE levels than its presence (I allele) in adults. We carried out a case-control study of the ACE*I/D dimorphism in relation to circulating ACE activities to evaluate associations between the two variables in adults, compared to younger (18 years or less) individuals. Materials and Methods: Genotypes of the ACE*I/D dimorphism were determined on DNA samples from a population of 164 random (unrelated) Emirate nationals, composed of two groups: 112 subjects above 18 years of age (range=20-77 years), and 52 subjects of 18 years or less (range=1-18), and analyzed for putative associations with serum ACE activities. ACE*I/D genotypes of the 164 individuals were determined by assays based on polymerase chain reaction. ACE activities were determined on serum samples of these subjects by colorimetric assays. Results: The D allele was associated with increased ACE values in both adult and younger individuals. Mean ACE activity levels associated with II, ID and DD genotypes, however, were 42%-61% higher in the 18 years and under group of subjects. The ACE*I/D marker accounted for 28% of the variance of the phenomenon determining ACE levels in adults, and for 30% among youngsters. Conclusion:The ACE*I/D dimorphism correlated strongly with circulating ACE activities in both adult and young Emirati subjects, and the corresponding mean ACE activities were significantly higher among the youngsters.

Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene in Kawasaki Disease

“…It is suggested that about half of the interindividual difference in ACE levels may be accounted for its polymorphism (19,20). It is reported that mean ACE levels were lowest for II homozygotes, highest for DD homozygotes, and intermediate for ID heterozygotes (18,21). Danser et al explained the higher ACE levels observed in subjects with D allele than those with the II genotype by the sequence harbored in the insert of ACE gene.…”

Clinical Utility of Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Based PCR and Mutation-Specific PCR for Precise and Rapid Genotyping of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 1 (ACE1-rs4646996 D>I) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2-rs4240157T>C) Gene Variations in Coronary Artery Disease and Their Strong Association with Its Disease Susceptibility and Progression

“…ACE converts the inactive angiotensin I into the vasoactive and aldosterone-stimulating octapeptide angiotensin II, as well as causing the inhibition of bradykinin. For these reasons, the ACE gene has been a preferred target in unraveling the molecular complex structure of cardiovascular diseases [ 17 , 18 ]. It was found that the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism (rs4340) is a 287 bp sequence of DNA in intron 16 of the ACE gene on chromosome 17q23, whereas there are a few polymorphisms that are in an unbalanced linkage at (rs4646994) in some populations [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Investigation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism and Blood Lipid Peroxidation with MI Patients in Turkish Population

“…Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a key component within the RAS and ACE is a dipeptidyl carboxipeptidase that converts angiotensin-I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin-II and inactivites the vasodilator bradykinin (11,14,12 (5,12,20,23). ACE D allele is considered as the reason behind a higher ACE activity in both old and young populations (10). According to the method of Lindpainther et.al.…”