Classic Genotypes of the ACE Gene do Not Interfere in Blood Pressure Responses to Reactivity Test in Male Adolescents

Background: The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) is responsible for converting Angiotensin I into Angiotensin II, which has vasoconstrictive properties. Polymorphisms in the ACE gene have been associated to higher levels of Angiotensin II and, therefore, higher blood pressure values.

Aims: To verify if classic genotypes of the ACE gene could interfere in blood pressure reactivity responses to a reactivity test.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study aiming to associate genotypes of the ACE gene with blood pressure reactivity responses.

Place and Duration of Study: Male adolescents from the city of Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil participated in the study from February to October of the year 2013.

Methods: One hundred and sixty (160) male adolescents, aged 14 to 20 years, students from three high schools from the city of Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil, participated in the study. The participants underwent measurements of body mass, height, waist circumference and skinfold thickness. Body mass index and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. DNA was extracted from blood samples in order to determine the genotypes of the rs4646994 of the ACE gene. Blood pressure was measured at rest, during the application of a reactivity test (Cold Pressor Test), and 1 min after the test. One-Way ANOVA was used to verify the differences between the genotypes of the ACE gene and the anthropometric and blood pressure variables. Odds ratio was calculated in order to attest if the D allele carriers presented higher chances of having increased resting blood pressure values and of being hyper-reactive to the Cold Pressor Test.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found between genotypes when comparing anthropometric and blood pressure values at rest as well as responses to the reactivity test.

Conclusion: Classic genotypes of the ACE gene do not seem to interfere in blood pressure responses to a reactivity test in male adolescents.