Effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on 1.25-(OH)2 D levels of hypertensive patients. Relationship with ACE polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND

The effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) on 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1.25-(OH)2D] levels has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels and I/D angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism (ACE) in hypertensive patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 60 individuals (31 females and 29 males) with systolic and/or diastolic hypertension. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured by HPLC and the 1.25-(OH)2 D was determined by RIA. ACE polymorphism was analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using a modification of the original method described by Rigat.

RESULTS

Treatment with ACEIs produced an increase in total calcium (p=0.003) and a decrease in the 1.25-(OH)2 D (p=0.0001). No relationship between final calcium and 1.25-(OH)2 D (r=-0.171, p=0.198) was observed. When the effects of enalapril and quinapril were analyzed separately, the results were similar. When the patients were divided according to genotype, the decrease in 1.25-(OH)2 D was observed only in patients with D allele, genotype Ins/Del (69+/-23 vs. 48+/-19, p=0.021 ) and in those of genotype Del/Del (64+/-19 vs. 17, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

The ACE inhibitors in combination with the presence of the DD genotype decrease the level of 1.25-(OH)2 D. There was no difference between enalapril and quinapril treated groups.