Genotyping of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Angiotensinogen Polymorphisms with the LightCycler System

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system regulates blood pressure, and maintains electrolyte homeostasis in humans [1]. In this system, angiotensinogen (AGT) is catalyzed by renin to form angiotensin I, which is then cleaved by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) to yield angiotensin II, a potent vasopressor and effector on renal function [1]. Recently, several studies have focused on the correlation between physiological disorders and the genetic variation of peptides in the reninangiotensin system. A specific mutation in the angiotensinogen gene was reported to be associated with essential hypertension [2,3]. Individuals with homozygous deletion alleles of ACE were reported to have a higher level of serum ACE and an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, sudden death, left ventricular hypertrophy, increased blood glucose levels, diabetic nephropathy, and premature death [4–7]. Detection of mutations in genes that constitute the renin-angiotensin system may be important in the prevention and control of disorders in the cardiovascular system, glucose metabolism, and urinary function.