ACE genotype, body weight changes and target organ damage in renal transplant recipients.

Background: Carriage of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) D-allele favors weight gain in mid-life and, possibly, cardiovascular complications; we aimed to verify the relationship between these conditions and ACE polymorphisms in the renal transplant (RTx) setting.

Methods: ACE genotypes were evaluated in 169 RTx recipients (107 males, 62 females) and related to body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) changes 1 year after transplant, as well as to cardiovascular events and allograft loss. Allelic frequencies and body weights were compared with those of a control group (age- and sex-matched healthy blood donors).