Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism influences body composition through the hydration status in a young Italian population

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism influences body composition through the hydration status in a young Italian population Laura Bordoni1, Francesca Marchegiani2, Valerio Napolioni3, Rosita Gabbianelli4 1School of Advanced Studies, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy 2Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Diagnostics, INRCA-IRCCS, Ancona, Italy 3Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA 4School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy Objective: The well-known insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs4646994) of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been previously associated with obesity both in preschoolers, adolescents and adults. It has been reported a consistent association between this polymorphism and blood flow, muscular strength and ACE enzyme activity. Despite the relevant role of ACE in all these processes, very few evidences are currently available on the relationship between this gene variant and hydration status. Thus, we studied the association between ACE I/D polymorphism, body composition and hydration status in a young population of Italians children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 306 healthy children and adolescents, who regularly practice sport, were recruited for the study. For all the subjects, anthropometric, bioimpedentiometric parameters and urine samples were collected. ACE I/D genotyping was performed on DNA from buccal swabs. General linear model (GLM) and two-way ANOVA tests has been performed with SPSS software. Results: On the whole, interesting correlation between ACE I/D polymorphism, body composition and hydration status was detected in our population. In particular, a genetic-dependent effect of a good hydration status on body composition has been identified. Conclusion: Our results do not only confirm the relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism and body composition, but also suggest a key role of the hydration status on the modulation of this relationship. These interesting preliminary results warrant further investigation to disentangle the genetic role of ACE on hydration homeostasis.