Abstract

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism and p22phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase C242T polymorphism have been associated with risk of several cardiovascular conditions. We have studied, in a healthy sample of adolescents randomly selected, the relationship between those genes polymorphisms and somatic characteristics, blood pressure and some biochemical markers of cardiovascular risk, mainly those related to oxidative stress. A subsample of 38 healthy adolescents, included in a larger cohort of children studied from 2 to 5 years of age, were re-evaluated at 12 to 15 years of age. ACE and p22phox genotypes were evaluated, respectively, by PCR and PCR-RFLP; ACE and erythrocyte transmembrane oxido-reductase (TMR) activities by spectrophotometry; total and LDL-MDA by spectrophotometric quantification of substances that react with tiobarbituric acid (TBARS); active renin by RIA and total antioxidant status of plasma using a comercial kit.

On the last evaluation, no associations were found between blood pressure, lipid profile, TBARS, anthropometric parameters, body composition, active renin or TMR and ACE I/D and p22phox C242T genes polymorphisms. p22phox CC genotype carriers showed higher ACE activity (68.9 U/L) compared to CT (55.4.1 U/L) and TT (37.5 U/L) (p<0.01). A lower plasma antioxidant concentration was observed in both ACE DD and p22phox CT+TT genotype carriers, compared to other groups (p<0.001). A significant correlation was observed between TMR activity and plasma antioxidant concentration, regardless of genotypes (r = 0.375, p<0.05).

We conclude that healthy adolescents have higher activities of ACE in p22phox CC genotype carriers. Plasma antioxidant concentration seems to be dependent of both p22phox and ACE genotypes. No other associations regarding blood pressure or other parameters were observed.

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