[Is there any connection between angiotensin converting enzyme activity and liver cirrhosis of alcoholic genesis?].
The objective of this study was to assess the serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in patients with liver cirrhosis caused by chronic alcohol consumption, in order to get better insight into the function of the renin-angiotensin system.


METHODS
Serum level of ACE activity was measured by Neels spectrophotometry in 35 alcoholic liver cirrhosis patients classified according to Child-Pugh-Turcotte criteria and 35 dyspeptic patients with any liver disease excluded (control group).


RESULTS
Serum values of ACE were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.00001) in the group of liver cirrhosis patients (x = 250.16 +/- 85.5 nmol) than in the control group (x = 115.88 +/- 58.19 nmol). The highest levels of ACE were measured in class B group of liver cirrhosis patients vs. class A and class B groups (p < 0.013).


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that liver cirrhosis patients have elevated ACE levels, which coud be useful in the diagnosis and follow up of these patients.
Klinika za unutarnje bolesti, Opća bolnica Sveti Duh, Hrvatska. marinko.marusic1@zg.t-com.hr
Marinko
M
Marusić
Zarko
Z
Babić
D006801:Humans; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000097:blood*
D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A