Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms, serum ACE activityand blood pressure in a Spanish-Mediterranean population

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels and ACE gene polymorphisms have been related with hypertension but with contradictory results between popul ations. We have investigated the association among the allelic distribution of the insertion-deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene, identified b y polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serum ACE activity determined by spectro photometry, and the blood pressure (BP), in a Mediterranean population in t he southwest of Europe. A total of 1322 randomised individuals were analyse d, and a comparative study was conducted analysing 205 individuals from the group with highest BP (fifth quintyl) and 196 from the group with lowest B P (first quintyl). In addition we have studied the frequencies of alleles i n separated groups of women and men, We conclude that in this population th ere is no association between I/D polymorphism and hypertension. However, w e have found a statistically significant association between the presence o f the D allele in the genotypes and an elevation of serum ACE activity.