Association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism with chronic heart failure in Chinese Han patients.
BACKGROUND
An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism is present in the 16th intron of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and is associated with serum and tissue ACE level. Some studies have shown that the DD genotype is associated with some cardiovascular diseases; while ACE polymorphism's effect on chronic heart failure (CHF) remains uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism with CHF in the Chinese Han population.


METHODS
The genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction in 102 normal controls and in 79 patients with CHF. Plasma angiotensin (Ang) levels were assessed by radio-immunity assay. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameters (LVDD) and left ventricular ejection fractions were assessed by echocardiography.


RESULTS
The ACE gene polymorphism distribution was similar in patients and control subjects. However, ACE gene DD polymorphism was associated with a more severe condition, greater LVDD [mm: DD: 71+/-7, ID: 62+/-5, II: 60+/-5, P<0.001 DD vs. ID, P<0.001 DD vs. II] and higher plasma Ang II level [pg/ml DD: 92+/-19, ID: 79+/-21, II: 65+/-17 P<0.05 DD vs. ID, P<0.001 DD vs. II].


CONCLUSIONS
In Chinese Han patients with CHF, ACE gene DD polymorphism might be a marker of a more severe condition, and a higher level of activation of the renin-angiotensin system.
Huang
Wenyan
W
Department of Cardiology, Xiang Ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China. hwyswallow@163.com
Xie
Changqing
C
Zhou
Hongyan
H
Yang
Tianlun
T
Sun
Ming
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D017353:Gene Deletion; D005838:Genotype; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016254:Mutagenesis, Insertional; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology
D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A