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DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1269360
Activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme is dependent on nicotine consumption
Objective: The study was designed to examine if there is a difference in the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) between smokers and non-smokers. ACE activity is a parameter to evaluate endothelial function. Certain diseases such as sarcoidosis lead to increased ACE activity compared to healthy controls.
Methods: ACE activity was analysed in 200 volunteers, both male and female (102 smokers=S, 98 non-smokers=NS). The photometric enzymatic method according to Biermann was used.
Results: ACE activity in smokers was increased compared to non-smokers. This finding was not gender-related (see table).
n |
age (years) |
ACE-Aktivity (U/I) |
cigarettes/day |
|
NS (m) |
48 |
41.6±13.5 |
24.5 |
0 |
S (m) |
42 |
39.0±13.0 |
40.5 |
18.7±12.5 |
NS (f) |
50 |
34.0±12.6 |
25.5 |
0 |
S (f) |
60 |
35.0±12.0 |
43.0 |
28.4±9.1 |
Conclusion: ACE activity is dependent on nicotine consumption. One can speculate that smokers may need higher dosages of ACE-inhibitors for blood pressure control. Based on these data a clinical study apllying postoperative high-dose ACE-inhibitor treatment für smokers after myocardial revascularisation is in progress.