Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011; 59 - eP150
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1269360

Activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme is dependent on nicotine consumption

H Taspinar 1, G Oremek 2, M Heinemann 1, A Peivandi 1, CF Vahl 1
  • 1Johannes Gutenberg-University Hospital, Departments of Cardiothoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Mainz, Germany
  • 2Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Department of Internal Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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).

Table 1

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

Fig.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.