Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene influences diabetes phenotypes

Author(s)

Andrea Sterman Heimann

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2004-03-05

Examining board members

Jose Eduardo Krieger; Jose Eduardo Pereira Wilken Bicudo; Adriana Karaoglanovic Carmona; Kleber Gomes Franchini; Luiz Fernando Onuchic

• Advisor: Jose Eduardo Krieger

Abstract

We studied the relationship between obesity and diabetes phenotypes with ACE genotypes using a human population (1600 individuals where ACE I/D polymorphism was determined) and engineered ACE mice models (nondiabetic or diabetic under high fat diet or control diet). Body weight, periepididymal adipose tissue weight and insulin levels were lower in 3 copies under high fat diet. Diabetic 3 copies mice had higher mortality. Presence of D allele was significantly associated with decreased body fat percentage in individuals who were at increases risk of being hyperinsulinemic. Taken together these results provide evidence for a direct role of ACE in obesity phenotypes, which may be important to unravel the complexities of metabolic syndrome. (AU)