Association between angiotensin converting enzyme polymorphism and lead-related hypertensive status in lead-exposed male workers from Korea

This study was investigated the association between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) polymorphism on blood lead levels and lead-related blood pressure of exposed male workers from Korea. A cross sectional study involving 786 male lead-exposed workers from Korea was conducted, in which a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategy was used to differentiate the genotypes of ACE I/D (Insertion/ Deletion) polymorphism. The association of clinical characteristics with genotypes as modifiers was estimated after data adjustment for age, smoking status, drinking status, body mass index and job duration. Genotype and allele frequencies of ACE I/D polymorphism were associated with lead-related diastolic, systolic blood pressure and hypertension status. Blood lead levels were not associated with genotype or allele frequencies of ACE I/D polymorphism. From the present results, it was concluded that I/I (Insertion/Insertion)+ I/D genotypes, and I allele of the ACE gene is a risk factor for lead-related hypertensive status; however, they are not directly associated with blood lead levels.