Introduction: This study investigates the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms on the association between noise and hypertension.
Subjects and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted involving 385 male volunteers. In the control group 156 participants were exposed to a sound level of ≤ 80 dB; in the exposed group 229 individuals were exposed to a sound level ≥ 80 dB. Both groups were subdivided into categories on the basis of blood pressure. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategy was used to differentiate the various genotypes of ACE ID and ACE G2350A. Association of noise with genotypes as modifiers was estimated after adjustment of data for age and body mass index.
Results: These showed the following odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) indicating that noise is associated with hypertension in a Pakistani population (OR: 3.196; CI: 1.803-5.666). ACE ID and ACE G2350A polymorphism affects this association. ID (OR: 2.844: CI: 1.32-6.110) and DD allele carriers (OR: 4.487; CI: 1.549-12.99) were at increased risk of hypertension. GG (OR: 3.970; CI: 1.628-9.681) and GA (OR: 3.705; CI: 1.407-9.758) carriers were also at increased risk of hypertension associated with noise. However II and AA allele carriers were not found to be at increased risk of hypertension.
Conclusion: ACE ID polymorphism and ACE G2350A polymorphism modulates the effects of noise on blood pressure.