[I/D gene polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and left ventricular hypertrophy. Response to converting enzyme inhibitors].

BACKGROUND

The present study was designed to assess whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism influence the ACE inhibitors effect on the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

METHODS

Sixty hypertensive subjects never treated by antihypertensive drugs, aged 46 +/- 11 years, were included in the study. Follow-up with ACE inhibitor treatment was 60 +/- 26 months. Genotypes for ACE I/D polymorphism (DD, ID or II) were determined by PCR. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was assessed by two-dimensional directed M-mode echocardiography.

RESULTS

ACE genotype distribution was in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: 21 patients had the DD genotype, 29 were ID, and 10 were II. At baseline, age, systolic arterial pressure and LVMI didn't differ on the basis of genotype. Body mass index was significantly higher in II than in ID and DD groups. Regression of LVMI with ACE inhibitor treatment was similar in the 3 genotypes (-8.9%, -0.6%, -12.1% in DD, ID and II groups respectively). In addition, decrease of systolic arterial pressure was identical in 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

ACE gene I/D polymorphism seems not to influence regression of left ventricular hypertrophy by ACE inhibitors in essential hypertension.