Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
16:46
A Novel Stretching Platform for Applications in Cell and Tissue Mechanobiology
Published on: June 3, 2014
Insertion/deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene affects heart weight
K Nakahara1, S Matsushita, H Matsuoka
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. nakahara@tmig.or.jp
Circulation
|January 19, 2000
Summary
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotype influences heart weight, with the DD genotype showing significantly higher cardiac mass. However, factors like hypertension and age are stronger predictors of heart weight.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Molecular Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Angiotensin II (Ang II) regulates left ventricular mass, with its production by ACE linked to ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism.
- Variations in Ang II concentrations due to ACE polymorphism may affect left ventricular mass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether ACE genotype predicts heart weight in autopsy patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of autopsy data from 443 patients, excluding those with specific cardiac conditions.
- Determination of ACE genotype via polymerase chain reaction on kidney DNA.
- Correction of heart weight for body surface area.
Main Results:
- Heart weight was significantly higher in the DD genotype group (249.9±49.9 g/m²) compared to ID (230.0±51.2 g/m²) and II (226.8±49.8 g/m²) genotypes.
- Heart weight positively correlated with age and coronary stenosis index.
- Hypertension history, age, and DD genotype were identified as independent predictors of heart weight.
Conclusions:
- ACE genotype is a predictor of cardiac mass.
- Hypertension and age were found to be more potent predictors of cardiac mass than ACE genotype.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Alterations in Blood Pressure
Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
01:29Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
01:30Point and Frameshift Mutations
Point mutations are genetic alterations involving the change of a single nucleotide base pair in DNA. Depending on how the alteration affects protein synthesis, they can lead to various consequences.Point mutations fall into the following types:Silent mutations occur when a nucleotide change does not alter the amino acid sequence due to the redundancy of the genetic code. For instance, changing ACC to ACA still encodes threonine, leaving the protein function unaffected. This occurs because...