Serum activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is not affected by hepatitis B viral infection

Activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the serum from healthy and hepatitis B-infected subjects were examined. Preservation of the serum samples for 32 days at -80 degrees C did not significantly alter the activity of ACE. We have determined the ACE activity in three groups: healthy subjects with negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and normal liver function or the (-,N) group, subjects exhibiting positive HBsAg and normal liver function or the (+,N) group, as well as subject with positive HBsAg and abnormal liver function or the (+,Ab) group. The healthy group (-,N) exhibited serum activity of ACE of 31.5 +/- 1.2(25) nmoles/min/ml serum. There was no difference in ACE activity whether surface antigen was present, i.e., between (-,N) and (+,N) groups. Although a slight (about 10%) elevation of ACE activity was observed in the third group (+,Ab), it was not significantly different from either (-,N) or (+,N) group. These results suggest the lack of association between the serum activity of ACE and hepatis B, however, further studies are required to clarify whether correlation exists between serum activity and liver function.