ACE gene polymorphism and cardiac structure in patients with insulin resistance.

Aims: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the production of angiotensin II, thus may participate in the modulation of cardiac growth. The aim of our study is to analyze the ACE gene I/D polymorphisms in patients with insulin resistance (IR) and to evaluate its relationship to left ventricular mass and functions.

Methods: Eighteen subjects (13 female and 5 male, mean age 39.8 +/- 14) with IR were enrolled in the present study. Twenty-three healthy people without IR were recruited as the control group. ACE amplification of DNA was performed by polymerase chain reaction methodology. Fasting glucose and insulin, postprandial glucose, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and HOMA-beta, lipid profile, anthropometric measurements were assessed. Left ventricular structure and functions were measured by echocardiography.

Results: Distribution of I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene in the study group was as follows: genotype II-0%, ID-38.9%, DD-61.1% of patients. Distribution of individual genotypes was similar in patients with and without IR. No significant difference was found between genotype groups in terms of anthropometric measurements and metabolic parameters and blood pressure. Echocardiography showed no significant changes in left ventricular structure and functions in patients with IR.

Conclusions: We considered that in patients with IR, there is no relationship between I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and LVH.