Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype and encephalopathy in Chernobyl cleanup workers
Author: A.D. Kehoe, A.M. Nikiforov, S.S. Alexanin et al.
Reference: Eur. J. Neurol. — 2009. — Vol. 16, № 1. — P. 95–100.
Keywords: cleanup; angiotensin-converting; angiotensin-converting enzyme; encephalopathy; worker; enzyme; ace activity; ace genotype; ace gene; ace inhibition;
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To identify, using a genetic model, a key role for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the development of dyscirculatory encephalopathy (DE) in Chernobyl cleanup workers (CCW). The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene denotes a substantial individual variation in RAS activity with the D-allele being associated with higher ACE activity. METHODS Ninety-three male, Caucasian CCW were recruited from those under regular review at the All-Russia Centre of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, St. Petersburg. The presence or absence of DE was determined using existing institutional guidelines. ACE genotype was determined using internationally accepted methodologies. RESULTS Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype distribution in 59 subjects with DE was II: 10 (17%), ID: 31 (53%), DD: 18 (30%), D-allele frequency 56.8%. Whereas in those without the condition the distribution was II: 12 (35%), ID: 19 (56%), DD 3 (9%) and D-allele frequency 35.9%(P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS These data are the first to identify an association between the ACE D-allele and DE in CCW. They provide evidence of a significant role for the RAS in the development of DE and suggest that clinical trials of ACE inhibition would be profitable in this group.