Objective To investigate the relationship between
polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene and the blood
pressure response to ACE inhibition in a hypertensive cohort. Methods Imidapril or Benazepril was administered for 6 weeks to 517 essential hypertensives. ACE gene
polymorphism was examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and the patients was classified as DD, ID and II genotype. The change in systolic and diastolic blood
pressure was analysed for association with genotypes of ACE gene. Results The frequency of DD genotype was 25.5%(132 patients), the ID genotype 49.3%(255 patients) and the II genotyp 25.2%(130 patients). The systolic blood pressure reduction in the patients with DD genotype, II genotype and ID genotype were (-14.5±12.7) mmHg, (-14.3±13.1) mmHg and (-14.0±12.2) mmHg, respectively (P=0.94). The diastolic blood pressure reduction in the patients with DD genotype, II genotype and ID genotype were (-8.7±7.4) mmHg, (-8.7±7.7) mmHg and (-8.5±6.7) mmHg, respectively (P=0.96). Conclution No significant association between the ACE gene polymorphism and the response of BP reduction by ACEI was found. These results suggest that ACE genotypes do not associate to the blood pressure-lowing response to antihypertensive treatment with ACE inhibition.