Relationship between ACE-DD polymorphism and diastolic performance in healthy subjects

Background-The ACE-D allele has been associated with cardiovascular disease. The study evaluates the relationship between the ACE-ID genotypes and diastolic function in healthy subjects after 6 years of follow-up. Methods-Two hundred and seventy-five healthy volunteers aged 25-55 years had normal physical examination, 12-lead ECG, acceptable echocardiographic windows and echocardiogram at entry. Venous blood was drawn for DNA analysis. Results-Two hundred and forty-two subjects completed 6 years of follow-up. Three genetically distinct groups were obtained: ACE-DD group (n=71, 26F/45M, mean age 48+/-7 years); ACE-ID (n=115, 39F/76M, mean age 40+/-7 years); and ACE-II (n=56, 20F/36M, mean age 47+/-6 years). Significant differences in E/A ratio were found between ACE-DD and ACE-ID, and ACE II ( p=0.028, <0.0001, 0.0001), respectively. After 6 years, echocardiography showed a significant reduction of E/A ratio in the ACE- DD group, p=0.0001. Conclusion-The data suggest that ACE- DD is associated with deteriorating myocardial diastolic properties.