ANGIOTENSIN-I CONVERTING-ENZYME GENE - REGULATION, POLYMORPHISM AND IMPLICATIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASES

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE), also called dipeptidyl-carboxyp eptidase I (DCPI), is a zinc metallopeptidase widely distributed on th e surface of endothelial and epithelial cells. Its role in the vasoact ive peptide, the metabolism of the two active peptides, angiotensin an d bradykinin, and the beneficial effects of its inhibition in cardiova scular diseases, have raised considerable interest in this enzyme. The potential implications of ACE gene polymorphism, which affects the ex pression of the gene in cardiovascular diseases, has been widely inves tigated. This review summarizes the results of these studies