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The angiotensin converting enzyme and blood pressure in Jamaicans
T Forrester1, N McFarlane-Anderson, F I Bennett
1Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
Insights
The angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) genotype influences ACE activity but not blood pressure in Jamaicans. However, higher ACE activity was linked to hypertension, suggesting complex genetic and environmental factors affect blood pressure control.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Human Physiology
- Population Health
Background:
- The angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene's insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism affects serum ACE activity and cardiovascular disease risk.
- The association between ACE genotype, ACE activity, and blood pressure is not fully understood, particularly in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ACE genotype, serum ACE activity, and blood pressure in a population-based sample in Kingston, Jamaica.
- To explore potential genetic and environmental influences on ACE activity and its impact on blood pressure.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey of 500 residents in Kingston, Jamaica.
- Measurement of serum ACE activity and genotyping for the ACE I/D polymorphism.
- Statistical analysis to assess associations between ACE genotype, ACE activity, blood pressure, and body mass index.
Main Results:
- The D allele prevalence was 59.3%. ACE genotype did not significantly correlate with blood pressure (P = .16).
- Individuals with the DD genotype showed 35% higher ACE activity compared to the II genotype. Hypertensives had significantly higher ACE levels than normotensives (P < .05).
- A modest correlation between blood pressure and ACE activity was found in untreated individuals (r = 0.11; P = .04) but not in multivariate analysis. Body mass index correlated with ACE activity independently of genotype.
Conclusions:
- ACE genotype influences serum ACE activity but shows no direct significant relationship with blood pressure in this Jamaican population.
- Elevated ACE activity is associated with hypertension, and its regulation involves both genetic and environmental factors, including body mass index.
- The precise role of ACE in blood pressure regulation within this population requires further investigation.
Abstract:
An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene influences the level of serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and has been associated with risk of several cardiovascular conditions. The relationship to blood pressure remains uncertain, however. We conducted a population-based survey in Kingston, Jamaica, to examine the association between angiotensin converting enzyme genotype, angiotensin converting enzyme serum activity and blood pressure. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity was measured and genotyping performed for the I/D polymorphism in 500 community residents. The overall prevalence of the D allele was 59.3%. Angiotensin converting enzyme genotype was not significantly related to blood pressure (P = .16), although it did influence angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, leading to an increase of 35% among individuals with the DD as compared with II genotype. Angiotensin converting enzyme levels were significantly higher in hypertensives as compared with normotensives (P < .05). A modest correlation was observed between blood pressure and angiotensin converting enzyme activity among untreated individuals (r = 0.11; P = .04), although this did not persist in multivariate analysis. A relationship between body mass index and angiotensin converting enzyme activity was identified in both men and women that was independent of genotype. These data demonstrate findings among blacks which are consistent with other studies and suggest a relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme genotype, and serum activity which is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The potential role of ACE on blood pressure control in the population remains uncertain.