Insertion/deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene is associated with atrial natriuretic...

An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the gene coding for the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is strongly associated with ACE activity. This polymorphism may be a marker for an increased risk for cardiovascular events. Our study examined a possible relationship between the D/I polymorphism and myocardial release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Ninety-six individuals with normal or impaired left ventricular function were included in the study. ANP and BNP plasma levels were measured at rest and after exposure to physical stress. At rest no association of ACE genotypes with ANP and BNP was found. After exercise homozygotes with the genotype DD had significantly higher ANP plasma levels than homozygotes with the genotype II. In contrast to ANP, BNP levels were not significantly different between genotype groups after exercise. Differences in site of production and mode of release between ANP and BNP might explain this difference. We hypothesize that our result might represent a variability gene effect of the ACE gene locus on endocrine processes in the heart during exposure to physical stress.