Alu insertion/deletion of ACE gene polymorphism might not affect significantly the serum bradykinin level in hypertensive patients taking ACE inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Background: Angiotensin I-converting enzyme [ACE] has two homologous catalytic domains, the N- and C-domains. Our previous study suggested that Alu insertion [I allele] in the intron 16 of ACE resulted in premature codon termination. The I allele has only one active site in the N-domain while the Alu deletion [D allele] still has two active sites of ACE. Therefore the effect of I/ D polymorphism of ACE on the enzyme's ability to catalyse bradykinin is still not widely known