Possible Association of ACE Gene I/D Polymorphism With Blood Pressure——Lowering Response to Hydrochlorothiazide

Objective To explore the association between polymorphism in the ACE I/D gene and blood pressure-lowering response to hydrochlorothiazide （HCTZ） in 829 patients. Methods HCTZ 12.5 mg was taken once a day for six weeks. The blood pressure reduction and ratio reaching target blood pressure were compared in different ACE genotype groups. Results The reduction in SBP of patients carrying DD was greater than that in other groups carrying II or ID （12.2 mmHg versus 5.4 mmHg, 12.2 mmHg versus 4.4 mmHg, respectively, P〈0.05）. The reduction in MAP of patients carrying DD was also greater than that in other groups carrying II or ID （6.9 mmHg versus 3.9 mmHg, 6.9 mmHg versus 3.6 mmHg, respectively, P〈0.05）. The ratio reaching target blood pressure in DD groups was significantly higher than that in II or ID groups （P〈0.05）. The pre-treatment SBP, DD genotype, aldosterone levels entered the multi-linear regression model significantly and might affect the reduction of SBP. The pre-treatment DBP, aldosterone levels, DD genotype entered the multi-linear regression model significantly and might affect the reduction of DBP. The pre-treatment MAP, DD genotype, aldosterone levels entered the multi-linear regression model significantly and might affect the reduction of MAP. Conclusion ACE genotyping is associated with blood pressure-lowering response to HCTZ. Specific genotypes might be associated with the response to specific antihypertensive treatment.

Upregulation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis by a combination of Yinyanghuo(Herba Epimedii Brevicornus) and Cheqianzi(Semen Plantaginis) improves erectile function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of a combination of Yinyanghuo(Herba Epimedii Brevicornus)(HEB)and Cheqianzi(Semen Plantaginis)(SP)on erectile dysfunction caused by essential hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs),and to elucidate the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor(ACE2/Ang[1-7]/Mas receptor)axis in this process.METHODS:A total of 24 SHRs were randomly assigned to three groups:SHR-control,low-dose(12.5 g/kg)and high-dose(25 g/kg)HEB+SP(HEBSP).Eight Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as normal controls.HEBSP was administered by oral gavage for 28 d.Erectile function was measured once a week using the Heaton test.After 4 weeks of treatment,the corpus cavernosum was harvested from each rat to measure nitric oxide(NO),nitric oxide synthase(e NOS)and Ang(1-7)levels,as well as ACE2,Mas receptor and neuronal nitric oxide synthase(n NOS)protein expression.RESULTS:After 4 weeks of treatment,HEBSP significantly increased erectile function in the treated group compared with SHR-control group(P<0.01).Additionally,HEBSP treatment significantly increased cavernosal levels of Ang(1-7),e NOS and NO.Moreover,HEBSP significantly elevated the expression levels of ACE2,Mas receptor and n NOS.These beneficial effects were elevated in the high-dose HEBSP group.CONCLUSION:HEBSP improved erectile function in SHRs by upregulating the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas receptor axis,e NOS and n NOS pathways.