Association between blood pressure and angiotensin-converting enzymes activity in prepubertal children∗. Issue 4 (24th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaspar, Ana R.; Andrade, Beatriz; Mosca, Sara; Ferreira-Duarte, Mariana; Teixeira, Ana; Cosme, Dina; Albino-Teixeira, António; Ronchi, Fernanda A.; Leite, Ana P.; Casarini, Dulce E.; Areias, José C.; Sousa, Teresa; Afonso, Alberto C.; Morato, Manuela; Correia-Costa, Liane
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 41:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 545
• Page End: 553
• Publication Date: 2023-04-24
• Subjects: angiotensin-converting enzyme -- angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 -- obesity -- renin−angiotensin−aldosterone system -- sex; Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003345
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Angiotensin-converting enzymes' (ACEs) relationship with blood pressure (BP) during childhood has not been clearly established. We aimed to compare ACE and ACE2 activities between BMI groups in a sample of prepubertal children, and to characterize the association between these enzymes' activities and BP. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 313 children aged 8–9 years old, included in the birth cohort Generation XXI (Portugal). Anthropometric measurements and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring were performed. ACE and ACE2 activities were quantified by fluorometric methods. Results: Overweight/obese children demonstrated significantly higher ACE and ACE2 activities, when compared to their normal weight counterparts [median (P25−P75), ACE: 39.48 (30.52–48.97) vs. 42.90 (35.62–47.18) vs. 43.38 (33.49–49.89) mU/ml, P for trend = 0.009; ACE2: 10.41 (7.58–15.47) vs. 21.56 (13.34–29.09) vs. 29.00 (22.91–34.32) pM/min per ml, P for trend < 0.001, in normal weight, overweight and obese children, respectively]. In girls, night-time systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) increased across tertiles of ACE activity ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). ACE2 activity was associated with higher night-time SBP and DBP in overweight/obese girls ( P = 0.037 and P = 0.048, respectively) and night-time DBP in the BMI z-score girl adjusted model ( P = 0.018). Median ACE2 levels were significantly higher among nondipper girls (16.7 vs. 11.6 pM/min per ml, P = 0.009). Conclusions: Our work shows that obesity is associated with activation of the renin−angiotensin−aldosterone system, with significant increase of ACE and ACE2 activities already in childhood. Also, we report sex differences in the association of ACE and ACE2 activities with BP.