Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype and encephalopathy in Chernobyl cleanup workers.
OBJECTIVE
To identify, using a genetic model, a key role for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the development of dyscirculatory encephalopathy (DE) in Chernobyl cleanup workers (CCW). The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene denotes a substantial individual variation in RAS activity with the D-allele being associated with higher ACE activity.


METHODS
Ninety-three male, Caucasian CCW were recruited from those under regular review at the All-Russia Centre of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, St. Petersburg. The presence or absence of DE was determined using existing institutional guidelines. ACE genotype was determined using internationally accepted methodologies.


RESULTS
Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype distribution in 59 subjects with DE was II: 10 (17%), ID: 31 (53%), DD: 18 (30%), D-allele frequency 56.8%. Whereas in those without the condition the distribution was II: 12 (35%), ID: 19 (56%), DD 3 (9%) and D-allele frequency 35.9% (P = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
These data are the first to identify an association between the ACE D-allele and DE in CCW. They provide evidence of a significant role for the RAS in the development of DE and suggest that clinical trials of ACE inhibition would be profitable in this group.
Kehoe
A D
AD
UCL Institute for Human Health and Performance, UCL Archway Campus, Archway, London, UK. anthonyke-hoe@hotmail.com
Nikiforov
A M
AM
Alexanin
S S
SS
Neronov
E G
EG
Tikhomirova
O V
OV
Shun'kov
V B
VB
Makarova
N V
NV
Rabinovich
E
E
Usmanova
N M
NM
Kazakov
V I
VI
Slozina
N M
NM
Montgomery
H E
HE
D047852:Chernobyl Nuclear Accident; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000235:genetics*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000401:mortality*; D011897:Random Allocation
C488034:ACE protein, human; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A