ASSOCIATION OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME I/D POLYMORPHISM AND HYPERTENSION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A PILOT STUDY FROM DELHI

Abstract

Objective: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a potent vasoconstrictor and directly involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Studies have reported that ACE gene activates the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and also inactive bradykinin. Bradykinin is a vasodilator which bring about its proteolysis which binds to the plasma membrane receptor and helps to produce the arteriolar constriction resulting in the rise of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure is additionally influenced by the interaction of genetic and other environmental factors, therefore this study tries to find an association between angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D polymorphism and hypertension among young adults Design and method: The present study was a cross sectional study conducted among young adults either sex from the age group of 18-30 living in Delhi, India. Standardized questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic and physiological measurement. Overnight fasting intravenous blood of 5ml was collected on non-EDTA coated tube which were subjected to DNA extraction by salting out process (Miller, 1988). The extracted DNA was then aliquoted and amplified by allele-specific PCR followed by genotyping on 2% agarose gel (Rigat et al. 1990). The DNA was then screened for ACE I/D gene polymorphism. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 2022 version. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension in the given population was 25.3%. There was no significant difference in the distribution of ACE I/D genotypes wherein 17.4% of hypertensives were of the II genotype, 47% of ID genotype and 34.8% of the DD genotype. Conclusions: Although there was no significant association of ACE genotype with hypertension, which may be due to the small sample size but the significance of this study hints towards the importance of early detection and modifying lifestyle to improve overall health.of the individual as well as on the community level.