The ACE deletion allele is associated with Israeli elite endurance athletes

An Alu insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism in the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with ACE activity. Opposing effects on elite athletic performance have been proposed for the I and D alleles; while the D allele favours improved endurance ability, the I allele promotes more power-orientated events. We tested this hypothesis by determining the frequency of ACE ID alleles amongst 121 Israeli top-level athletes classified by their sporting discipline (marathon runners or sprinters). Genotyping for ACE ID was performed using polymerase chain reaction on DNA from leucocytes. The ACE genotype and allele frequencies were compared with those of 247 healthy individuals. Allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between the groups. The frequency of the D allele was 0.77 in the marathon runners, 0.66 in the control subjects (P = 0.01) and 0.57 in the sprinters (P = 0.002). The ACE DD genotype was more prevalent among the endurance athletes (0.62) than among the control subjects (0.43, P = 0.004) and the power athletes (0.34, P = 0.004). In the group of elite athletes, the odds ratio of ACE DD genotype being an endurance athlete was 3.26 (95% confidence interval 1.49-7.11), and of ACE II genotype was 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.14-1.19). We conclude that in Israeli elite marathon runners the frequency of the ACE D allele and ACE DD genotype seems to be higher than in sprinters, suggesting a positive association between the D allele and the likelihood of being an elite endurance athlete in some ethnic groups.     

Allelic frequencies at the ACE and LRPAP1 loci suggest age-related relationships in a northern Italian population

The present work attempts to determine the distribution of ACE and LRPAP1 genotypes and allele frequencies in a sample of the population of north-western Italy and to examine the age-related association of these polymorphisms. ACE D allele frequency found in this work further confirms data obtained in previous studies of Northern Italian populations. Regarding the LRPAP1 gene, high frequencies of the deleted allele in European populations were also confirmed. In order to analyse the relationship between ACE and LRPAP1 gene polymorphisms and age, the sample was subdivided into four age groups: 1-30 (n= 99), 31-50 (n= 165), 51-79 (n= 146) and 80-100 years old (n= 57). For the ACE gene, significant difference in D/D genotype frequency was found only between the younger and the 51-79 age groups (p<0.05), the latter showing the lower frequency value. Significant differences were found, for both the I/D and D/D LRPAP1 genotypes, between the first and the second age group (p < 0.02) and between the first and the third age group (p < 0.01), with the 51-79 age group showing the higher D/D and the lower I/D genotype frequency values.     

The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genetic polymorphism: its relationship with plasma ACE level and myocardial infarction

The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key factor in the production of angiotensin II and in the degradation of bradykinin, two important peptides involved in vascular physiology. Plasma and cellular ACE levels in humans are influenced by an insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism of the ACE gene, the ACE I/D polymorphism. The D allele has a frequency of approximately 0.53 in Caucasian populations and is codominantly associated with higher levels of ACE. We have studied this polymorphism in a large multicenter case-control study (the ECTIM study) and found that the D allele was associated with a parental history of fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in the controls and was more frequent in male patients with MI than in controls. This case-control difference was compatible with a codominant effect of allele D on the risk of MI with relative risks of 1.57 for DD vs II and 1.26 for ID vs II (test for trend p < 0.003). In subjects at low risk of MI (plasma ApoB < 1.25 g/1 and body mass index < 26 kg/m²), the relative risk of DD vs ID + II was 2.7 (p < 0.0005). The results were very homogeneous in the four populations included in the study. In a family study, using linkage-segregation analysis, we have shown that the ACE I/D polymorphism is a marker for an unknown functional polymorphism (ACE S/s) which appears to be a new independent risk factor for MI.     

Genetic variation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene: increased frequency of the insertion allele in Koreans

In view of the clinical importance of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) as a major marker for cardiovascular diseases, we investigated insertion/deletion ( I/D ) polymorphism of the ACE gene in Koreans. Genotype frequencies were examined by polymerase chain reaction in 171 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 120 healthy subjects. Allele frequencies of ACE polymorphism in Koreans were not significantly different between patient and control groups. In addition, association between ACE genotypes and the number of stenosed coronary arteries was not detected. ACE genotypes in the CAD group were not associated with body mass index and plasma lipid levels. Thus, our results suggest that, at least in Koreans, I/D polymorphism of the gene is unlikely to be a useful marker for CAD subjects. However, the I allele frequency of Koreans (0.58) was higher than that of Caucasian populations (0.47) but lower than that of Samoan (0.91) and Yanomami (0.85) populations. Here, we discuss the clinical and ethnic importance of ACE polymorphism.     

AGT、ACE基因多态性与成人过敏性紫癜和过敏性紫癜性肾炎的相关性

目的探讨肾素-血管紧张素系统中AGT基因M235T和ACE基因I／D多态性与过敏性紫癜和过敏性紫癜性肾炎易感性的关系。方法应用PCR和PCR—RFLP技术检测145例过敏性紫癜／过敏性紫癜性肾炎患者与172例正常对照组血管紧张素原基因第2外显子M235T多态性及血管紧张素转换酶基因第16内含子I／D多态性。结果①AGT基因型构成比在HSP组、HSPN组与正常对照组之间差异有统计学意义（P=0．008,P=0．002）,但在HSP和HSPN之间差异无统计学意义（P=0．180）。AGT—TT基因型和丁等位基因携带者具有较高的患HSP、HSPN的风险。②ACE基因型构成比在HSPN组与正常对照组之间差异有统计学意义（P=0．003）,但在HSP和正常对照组、HSP和HSPN之间差异无统计学意义（P=0．065,P=0．073）。ACE—DD基因型和D等位基因携带者具有较高的患HSPN的风险。结论携带AGT基因M235T多态性增加患HSP／HSPN的风险,携带ACE基因I／D多态性增加患HSPN的风险。     

血管紧张素转换酶和血管紧张素原基因多态性及其与青海妊娠高血压疾病的相关性

目的探讨血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)和血管紧张素原(AGT)基因表达、基因多态性与青海孕产妇妊娠高血压疾病的相关性。方法选择210例妊娠高血压患者(HDCP组)和220例正常孕妇(CK组),运用限制性内切酶片段长度多态性聚合酶链反应(PCR-RFLP)方法检测AGT M235T、ACE I/D基因多态性。结果CK组ACE基因DD、ID、Ⅱ所占比例分别为28.18%、47.73%、24.09%,HDCP组分别为33.81%、51.90%、14.29%(P<0.05,故两组的ACE基因分布有差异),HDCP组和对照组ACE I/D多态性等位基因I和D频率分布有差异(P<0.05),HDCP组D等位基因频率高于对照组(χ^2=5.188,P<0.05),ACE基因型分布符合Hardy-Weinberg遗传平衡(χ^2=0.423,df=2,查表χ^2界值表,P>0.05,达到遗传平衡);CK组AGT基因MM、MT、TT所占比例分别为24.09%、43.64%、32.27%,HDCP组分别为15.71%、42.86%、41.43%(P<0.05,故两组的AGT基因分布差异有统计学意义),HDCP组和对照组AGT M235T多态性等位基因M和T频率分布有差异性(P<0.05),HDCP组T等位基因频率高于对照组(χ^2=6.796,P<0.05),AGT基因型分布符合Hardy-Weinberg遗传平衡(χ^2=3.242,df=2,查表χ^2界值表,P>0.05,达到遗传平衡)。结论ACE I/D多态性和AGT M235T多态性与青海省汉族妊娠期高血压疾病有关,D等位基因和T等位基因可能是妊娠高血压疾病的易感基因。     

The Impact of ACE Genotype on Serum ACE Activity in a Black South African Male Population

The strong association between the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism with serum ACE activity appears lacking in Nigerians and Kenyans, but has not previously been well assessed in others of African origin. This study addressed this issue in an ethnically well defined black South African population. A putative association for the A22982G ACE gene variant, a QTL likely to impact on serum ACE activity, was also sought.
Subjects were 200 healthy male black South African volunteers from the Xhosa ethnic group. Venous blood was obtained from all subjects for DNA extraction. ACE I/D and A22982G genotypes were determined and serum ACE activity measured. Age and blood pressure were recorded. For the group as a whole (mean ± SD age 38.5 ± 9.8 years, SBP 119.6 ± 14.1 mmHg, DBP 78.2 ± 10.1 mmHg) serum ACE activity was 38.2 ± 11.2 nmol ml⁻¹min⁻¹. ACE I/D genotype was not significantly associated with serum ACE activity. In contrast, the A22982G variant was significantly associated with serum ACE activity, being 35.9 ± 9.6, 38.1 ± 10.6 and 42.4 ± 15.3 nmol ml⁻¹min⁻¹ for AA, AG and GG genotypes respectively; p = 0.03 by ANOVA and p = 0.01 by linear trend.
In keeping with the findings in some other African populations, the ACE I/D polymorphism is not strongly associated with serum ACE activity in Xhosa South Africans. As such, it cannot be used as a marker of ACE activity in these subjects. In this regard the use of the A22982G gene variant may be more appropriate.     

PAI-1启动子区4G/5G基因多态性、ACE插入/缺失多态性与脑卒中的相关性

目的探讨纤溶酶原激活物抑制物-1(PAI-1)启动子区基因多态性和血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)插入/缺失多态性与脑卒中的关系。方法 PCR检测203例脑卒中患者和139名健康对照者PAI-1基因启动子区4G/5G多态性、ACE基因插入/缺失多态性,同时应用比色法测定血清ACE活性,发色底物法测定PAI-1活性。结果脑梗死(CI)组PAI-1活性(0.769±0.163 AU/mL)、ACE活性(43.42±14.36 U/L)明显高于对照组(0.652±0.116 AU/mL和31.28±8.64 U/L,P<0.01);CI组PAI-I基因4G纯合子、ACE D/I基因DD纯合子比例明显高于对照组(P<0.01);PAI-I基因4G/4G基因型与ACE基因D/D基因型对CI发病可相互协同作用(P<0.01)。结论 PAI-1基因4G/4G基因型和ACE基因D/D基因型均可能是CI发病的危险因素,且具有协同作用。     

新疆维吾尔族人自然长寿与HLA-DRB、ACE基因的关联分析

目的探讨人类白细胞抗原(HLA)-DRB基因及血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因多态性与新疆维吾尔族人自然长寿的关系.方法研究样本分为4组第1组年龄≥100岁;第2组年龄为90～99岁;第3组年龄为70～90岁;第4组为65-70岁自然死亡者.分别应用聚合酶链反应-序列特异引物法(PCR-SSP)、单链构象多态性(SSCP)分析和直接测序技术对各组进行基因分型.结果百岁组HLA-DR1的频率明显高于对照组(分别为9.5%和1.9%,P＜0.05);HLA-DR6(14)的频率也明显高于对照组(分别为9.5%和0.9%,P＜0.05);HLA-DR6的频率明显高于其余3组;HLA-DR4的频率明显低于对照组(分别为9.5%和23.6%,P＜0.05);HLA-DR9的频率明显低于对照组(分别为1.2%和9.4%,P＜0.05).相关分析显示HLA-DR1及ACE基因的D等位基因与长寿呈正相关,而HLA-DR9呈负相关.结论HLA-DRB基因的DR1等位基因和ACE基因的等位基因D对长寿可能有保护作用;HLA-DRB基因的DR9等位基因可能是不利于长寿的危险因素,HLA-DRB基因多态性和ACE基因多态性相互作用对长寿有协同作用.     

PAI-1启动子区4G/5G基因多态性、ACE插入/缺失多态性与脑卒中的相关性

目的 探讨纤溶酶原激活物抑制物-1(PAI-1)启动子区基因多态性和血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)插入/缺失多态性与脑卒中的关系.方法 PCR检测203例脑卒中患者和139名健康对照者PAI-1基因启动子区4G/5G多态性、ACE基因插入/缺失多态性,同时应用比色法测定血清ACE活性,发色底物法测定PAI-1活性.结果 脑...     

Association between the ACE I/D gene polymorphism and physical performance in a homogeneous non-elite cohort.

BACKGROUND: I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene may be associated with better endurance performance and a stronger response to exercise training. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ACE gene polymorphism and athletic performance in a homogeneous cohort. METHODS: Eighty-eight male non-elite Caucasian Turkish athletes with similar training backgrounds for at least for 6 months were studied for ACE gene polymorphisms by PCR analysis. Performance on the 60-meter sprint and middle-distance running tests were evaluated. RESULTS: The distributions of the ACE I/D genotypes were 20.5%, 40.9%, and 38.6% for II, ID, and DD polymorphisms in the whole group (N = 88), respectively. The ACE DD genotype frequency was significantly higher in the superior group (56.7%) than in the poor (37.9%) and mediocre (20.7%) group in middle-distance running performance (chi2 = 11.778; p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The ACE DD genotype may be related to better short-duration aerobic endurance performance. Larger homogeneous cohorts may help clarify the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and physical performance.     

ACE Gene Polymorphism and Diabetic Complications

The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene accounts for 50% of the variation in serum ACE levels and activity. However, its functional significance with regard to diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease remains controversial. To review the literature assessing the significance of ACE gene polymorphism on the initiation and progression of diabetic complications and treatment implications, a systematic review of the Medline, Pubmed and EMBASE databases was performed. Keywords were 'diabetes mellitus', 'diabetic nephropathy', 'ACE gene polymorphism' and 'genotype', for the period 1966 to August 1999. Overall, ACE gene polymorphism appears to affect the progression of diabetic nephropathy, with individuals homozygous for the deletion allele (DD) having a shorter time period from the onset of microalbuminuria to renal replacement therapy and decreased survival thereafter. This may reflect relative resistance to ACE inhibitor therapy. There is no association between ACE gene polymorphism and retinopathy. Further large prospective studies are required to clarify the association of ACE gene polymorphism and diabetic complications. However, it appears that the deletion allele acts in a co-dominant manner as a susceptibility factor in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. ACE genotyping may therefore provide a simple method of identifying high risk individuals and allow the implementation of early and aggressive therapy.     

Allelic frequencies at the ACE and LRPAP1 loci suggest age-related relationships in a Northern Italian population

The present work attempts to determine the distribution of ACE and LRPAP1 genotypes and allele frequencies in a sample of the population of north-western Italy and to examine the age-related association of these polymorphisms. ACE D allele frequency found in this work further confirms data obtained in previous studies of Northern Italian populations. Regarding the LRPAP1 gene, high frequencies of the deleted allele in European populations were also confirmed. In order to analyse the relationship between ACE and LRPAP1 gene polymorphisms and age, the sample was subdivided into four age groups: 1–30 (n?=?99), 31–50 (n?=?165), 51–79 (n?=?146) and 80–100 years old (n?=?57). For the ACE gene, significant difference in D/D genotype frequency was found only between the younger and the 51–79 age groups (p?<?0.05), the latter showing the lower frequency value. Significant differences were found, for both the I/D and D/D LRPAP1 genotypes, between the first and the second age group (p?<?0.02) and between the first and the third age group (p?<?0.01), with the 51–79 age group showing the higher D/D and the lower I/D genotype frequency values.     

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism: case-control association studies in schizophrenia, major affective disorder, and tardive dyskinesia and a family-based association study in schizophrenia

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a candidate gene for psychiatric disorders. We examined the frequency of a functional insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the 16th intron of the ACE gene (located on chromosome 17q23) in groups of patients with schizophrenia (n = 104 and 113), major depression (n = 55), and bipolar disorder (n = 87) compared to healthy control subjects (n = 87). There was no evidence for allelic or genotypic association of the polymorphism with any of the disorders or with tardive dyskinesia (TD) in patients with schizophrenia. In a sample of nuclear families (n = 61) made up of one or more patients with schizophrenia recruited with their parents, there was no evidence for biased transmission of ACE I/D alleles. Particularly in the case of schizophrenia, these findings do not support an association of the ACE I/D polymorphism with the phenotypes examined.     

ACE基因座外影响循环ACE水平的数量性状基因座

血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因16内含子上一段287 bp ALU序列的插入/缺失(I/D)变异与循环ACE水平密切相关.以I/D多态位点为危险标记的病例-对照研究广泛开展,但结果存在差异.ACE基因座外影响循环ACE水平的数量性状基因座(quantitative trait loci,QTL)的发现一定程度上对结果间的差异进行了解释.对决定循环ACE水平QTL的研究,利于对机体循环血压长期调控机制及心脑血管疾病发病机制认识的深入.     

ACE基因座外影响循环ACE水平的数量性状基因座

血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因16内含子上一段287 bp ALU序列的插入/缺失(I/D)变异与循环ACE水平密切相关.以I/D多态位点为危险标记的病例-对照研究广泛开展,但结果存在差异.ACE基因座外影响循环ACE水平的数量性状基因座(quantitative trait loci,QTL)的发现一定程度上对结果间的差异进行了解释.对决定循环ACE水平QTL的研究,利于对机体循环血压长期调控机制及心脑血管疾病发病机制认识的深入.     

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism: Case‐control association studies in schizophrenia,major affective disorder,and tardive dyskinesia and a family‐based association study in schizophrenia

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a candidate gene for psychiatric disorders. We examined the frequency of a functional insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the 16th intron of the ACE gene (located on chromosome 17q23) in groups of patients with schizophrenia (n = 104 and 113), major depression (n = 55), and bipolar disorder (n = 87) compared to healthy control subjects (n = 87). There was no evidence for allelic or genotypic association of the polymorphism with any of the disorders or with tardive dyskinesia (TD) in patients with schizophrenia. In a sample of nuclear families (n = 61) made up of one or more patients with schizophrenia recruited with their parents, there was no evidence for biased transmission of ACE I/D alleles. Particularly in the case of schizophrenia, these findings do not support an association of the ACE I/D polymorphism with the phenotypes examined. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A dynamic pattern analysis of coordination between breathing and rhythmic arm movements in humans

An insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism in the angiotensin 1-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has, in some studies, been associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and functionally the enzyme has been implicated in the degradation of amyloid beta protein (Abeta). We have investigated the frequency of the I/D polymorphism in a clinic-based and autopsy-confirmed series of cases of AD, and investigated what impact the I/D polymorphism in ACE gene might have on the extent of Abeta and tau pathology in the frontal cortex in the autopsy-confirmed series. We found no differences in I/D allele or genotype frequencies between the clinic-based and autopsy-confirmed AD cases, or between the pooled clinic-based and autopsy-confirmed AD cases and a series of normal control subjects. Moreover, Abeta (Abeta(40) and Abeta(42)) load, tau load or extent of amyloid angiopathy did not differ between D/D, I/D and I/I genotype groups, though Abeta(42) load tended to be higher in bearers of I/I genotype (compared to D/D genotype). Neither age at onset nor duration of illness differed according to genotype. We conclude therefore that the frequency of ACE I-allele is not increased in AD and, in autopsy-confirmed AD cases, possession of the ACE I allele has no impact upon the pathology of AD, at least in terms of the amount of Abeta or tau deposited in the brain.     

广东汉族人群血管紧张素转换酶基因（ACE）多态性研究

目的：探讨中国广东汉族群体血管紧张素转换酶基因（ＡＣＥ）第１６内含子中２８７ｂｐ片段的插入／缺失多态性分布。方法：应用ＰＣＲ扩增技术检测２４４名广东籍汉族人ＡＣＥ基因型。结果：广东汉族群体中ＡＣＥ基因插入纯合型Ｉ／Ｉ占４１％;插入和缺失杂合型Ｉ／Ｄ占４０％,缺失纯合型Ｄ／Ｄ占１９％;Ｉ与Ｄ等位基因出现频率分别为０．６２和０．３９。经Ｘ２检验男女之间无显著性差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）。本组资料Ｉ／Ｉ、Ｉ／Ｄ、Ｄ／Ｄ型三种基因频率与中国汉族人群ＡＣＥ基因多态性分布比较均无显著性差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）与日本人群比较发现日本人与广东汉族人Ｉ／Ｉ、Ｉ／Ｄ、Ｄ／Ｄ三种基因分布频率均无显著性差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）。与欧洲英、法、德三国人群比较发现国人的Ｄ／Ｄ发生频率低于上述三国。Ｉ／Ｉ型发生频率则明显高于欧洲三国。结论：本组资料对ＡＣＥ基因Ｉ／Ｄ多态性分析可能有助于从基因水平对防治ＡＣＥ酶相关疾病进行前瞻性研究具有多方面的应用价值。     

Polymorphisms in the ACE and PAI-1 genes are associated with recurrent spontaneous miscarriages

BACKGROUND: Successful pregnancies require fine tuning of fibrinolytic activities in order to secure fibrin polymerization and stabilization of the placental basal plate as well as to prevent excess fibrin deposition in placental vessels and intervillous spaces. Fibrinolysis is tightly regulated by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Endothelial PAI-1 synthesis is induced by angiotensin II, which is generated by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). METHODS: We studied the ACE deletion (D)/insertion (I) polymorphism and the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in women with recurrent spontaneous miscarriages (RM). Both polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with ACE and PAI-1 expression levels respectively. A study group of 184 patients with a history of two or more consecutive unexplained spontaneous miscarriages was compared with a control group of 127 patients with uneventful term deliveries and no history of miscarriages. RESULTS: Our findings show: (i) homozygosity for the D allele of the ACE gene, which results in elevated PAI-1 concentrations and hypofibrinolysis, is associated with an elevated risk of RM; (ii) the combination of the D/D genotype with two 4G alleles of the PAI-1 promoter, which further increases PAI-1 plasma levels, is significantly more frequent in RM patients compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we recommend the incorporation of these two polymorphisms into the spectrum of thrombophilic mutations which should be analysed in individuals with recurrent spontaneous miscarriages. Patients homozygous for both the ACE D and PAI-1 4G alleles may benefit from the application of low molecular weight heparin as early as possible in the pregnancy in order to prevent uteroplacental microthromboses.