Do left ventricular mass, diameters and long-axis systolic function differ according to angiotensin converting enzyme genotypes?

Abstract

Objective: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in angiotensin II production which causes myocardial hypertrophy and hyperplasia. In this study we aimed to investigate the relation between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and left ventricular mass (LVM), dimensions and systolic functions calculated by mitral annular motion (MAM) in young healthy male subjects. Methods: Complete echocardiographic examination was performed in 49 male healthy subjects (mean age 22.9±2.1 years) consisting of 18 ACE DD, 18 ACE DI and 13 ACE II genotypes. We calculated LVM and mass index (LVMI) by M-Mode echocardiography. The systolic MAM was recorded at 4 sites (septal, lateral, anterior, and posterior) by M-mode echocardiography and the MAM-ejection fraction (EF) was calculated from above four sites. Ejection fraction was also calculated by Simpson's method. Results: There was no significant difference among the three genotypes according to age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) diastolic thickness, LVM and LVMI were found significantly different among 3 ACE genotypes. Those measurements were higher in DD genotype in comparison to the DI and II genotypes. There was no significant difference among the three genotypes according to EF-MAM and EF by Simpson's method. Conclusion: In young healthy male subjects having ACE DD genotype, even though LVM and LVMI were within normal limits, their measurements were found to be higher than in subjects with ACE DI and II genotypes respectively. There was no difference among the three genotypes according to left ventricular systolic functions.