Association between blood pressure and angiotensin-converting enzymes activity in prepubertal children*

Author(s):Show less -

Gaspar, Ana R. ; Andrade, Beatriz ; Mosca, Sara ; Ferreira-Duarte, Mariana ; Teixeira, Ana ; Cosme, Dina ; Albino-Teixeira, Antonio ; Ronchi, Fernanda A. ; Leite, Ana P. ; Casarini, Dulce E. ; Areias, Jose C. ; Sousa, Teresa ; Afonso, Alberto C. ; Morato, Manuela ; Correia-Costa, Liane

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Hypertension; v. 41, n. 4, p. 9-pg., 2023-04-01.

Abstract

Objectives:Angiotensin-converting enzymes' (ACEs) relationship with blood pressure (BP) during childhood has not been clearly established. We aimed to compare ACE and ACE2 activities between BMI groups in a sample of prepubertal children, and to characterize the association between these enzymes' activities and BP.Methods:Cross-sectional study of 313 children aged 8-9 years old, included in the birth cohort Generation XXI (Portugal). Anthropometric measurements and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring were performed. ACE and ACE2 activities were quantified by fluorometric methods.Results:Overweight/obese children demonstrated significantly higher ACE and ACE2 activities, when compared to their normal weight counterparts [median (P25-P75), ACE: 39.48 (30.52-48.97) vs. 42.90 (35.62-47.18) vs. 43.38 (33.49-49.89) mU/ml, P for trend = 0.009; ACE2: 10.41 (7.58-15.47) vs. 21.56 (13.34-29.09) vs. 29.00 (22.91-34.32) pM/min per ml, P for trend < 0.001, in normal weight, overweight and obese children, respectively]. In girls, night-time systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) increased across tertiles of ACE activity (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). ACE2 activity was associated with higher night-time SBP and DBP in overweight/obese girls (P = 0.037 and P = 0.048, respectively) and night-time DBP in the BMI z-score girl adjusted model (P = 0.018). Median ACE2 levels were significantly higher among nondipper girls (16.7 vs. 11.6 pM/min per ml, P = 0.009).Conclusions:Our work shows that obesity is associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, with significant increase of ACE and ACE2 activities already in childhood. Also, we report sex differences in the association of ACE and ACE2 activities with BP. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/17027-0 - Hormonal systems in renal and cardiovascular diseases: from cell biology to new physiological paradigms with advances for therapeutics
• Grantee: Dulce Elena Casarini
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants