Key result
The ACE D allele and D/D genotype were more frequent in centenarians than controls, and the D/D genotype was associated with higher circulating ACE activity (89.0 U/L vs 55.1 U/L for I/I).
Observational
The ACE D allele and higher serum ACE activities associated with the D/D genotype do not appear to discriminate individuals at high risk for cardiovascular diseases that cause mortality before age 100.
We have determined serum activity and kinetic constants of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), parallel to an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in its gene, in French centenarians and controls 20–70 years of age because this enzyme could have an impact on cardiovascular risk, and thus on longevity. Both the ACE D allele and ACE D/D genotype were more frequent in centenarians in comparison with controls, without sex-related differences nor significant correlation with a cardiovascular pathology. In centenarians, I/D polymorphism was correlated with circulating ACE activity (D/D genotype, 89.0 ± 36.8 U/L; I/D genotype, 63.5 ± 26.0 U/L; and I/I genotype, 55.1 ± 39.4 U/L). The Michaelis constants for two substrates were identical whatever the genotype and were not different between centenarians and controls, i.e., 0.30 ± 0.03 mmol/L for furylacryloyl-phenylalanyl-glycyl-glycine and 1.35 ± 0.05 mmol/L for hippuryl-histidyl-leucine; for the latter, the optimal pH and activating concentration of chloride did not depend on I/D polymorphism. The maximal velocities with both substrates reflected the distribution of serum ACE activity as a function of the genotypes, in centenarians and in controls. In conclusion, plasma ACE activity is subject to a similar genotypic influence in centenarians as in adults 20–70 years of age; however, ACE itself appears to be functionally similar for each genotype. Furthermore, the D allele as well as the higher serum ACE activities associated with the D/D genotype cannot discriminate individuals at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, major causes of mortality before the age of 100 years.
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Faure-Delanef et al. (1998) conducted an observational in Longevity. ACE I/D polymorphism vs. Controls aged 20-70 years was evaluated on Frequency of ACE D allele and D/D genotype, and circulating ACE activity. The ACE D allele and D/D genotype were more frequent in centenarians than controls, and the D/D genotype was associated with higher circulating ACE activity (89.0 U/L vs 55.1 U/L for I/I).
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