EFFECT OF GENOTYPE ON THE ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME MESSENGER-RNALEVEL IN HUMAN ATRIA

1. To clarify the mechanism of the association between VD polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and various cardiovas cular diseases, ACE mRNA levels in human atrial appendages were assess ed in relation to the genotype of the ACE gene. 2. Angiotensin-convert ing enzyme mRNA levels were positively correlated with age and tended to show a positive correlation with mean pulmonary pressure (mPA). Mul tiple regression analysis indicated that age and mPA, but not the geno type of the ACE gene, were predictors of ACE mRNA levels in human atri al appendages. 3. The present study indicates that I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene is not simply reflected in ACE mRNA levels and that furt her study is needed to determine the mechanism of the association betw een this polymorphism and various cardiovascular diseases.