ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME IN THE HUMAN HEART - EFFECT OF THE DELETION INSERTION POLYMORPHISM

Background An insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism of the angiotens in-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with differences i n the plasma levels of ACE as well as with myocardial infarction, card iomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, and coronary artery disease. Methods and Results We determined the cardiac ACE activity and the AC E genotype in 71 subjects who died of noncardiac disorders. Cardiac AC E activity was significantly higher (P<.01) in subjects with the ACE D D genotype (12.7+/-1.9 mU/g wet wt) compared with subjects with the ID (8.7+/-0.8 mU/g) and the II (9.1+/-1.0 mU/g) genotypes. This differen ce was independent of sex, age, and the time required for tissue colle ction. Conclusions Cardiac ACE activity is highest in subjects with th e DD genotype. Elevated cardiac ACE activity in these subjects may res ult in increased cardiac angiotensin II levels, and this may be a mech anism underlying the reported association between the ACE deletion pol ymorphism and the increased risk for several cardiovascular disorders.