The effect of angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB) on the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hemodialysis patients: Comparison between patients with D allele and non-D allele (ACE gene polymorphism)

Objective: It is revealed that LVH is one of risk factors for the development of cardiac complications in long-term HD patients. Therefore, maneuvers to reduce hypertrophy of cardium are very important for improving life prognosis. Angiotensin II receptor blockade (ARB) could reduce LVH in general populations without renal failure. However, no conclusive data has been available regarding the clinical consequences of ARB administration on the regression of LVH in HD patients. Furthermore, it has not clearly determined if ACE gene polymorphism has a possible influential effect on it. This study is conducted to clarify these issues. Subjects and method: 32 hypertensive patients on regular HD (male/female: 21/11, mean age: 60.5 years, mean duration of HD: 52.8 months) were studied. Patients were classified into two groups according to the different type of ACE gene polymorphism: cases with D allele (DD/ID; D group: n = 13) and those without (II; non-D group: n = 19). All patients were administered ARB (losartan 50-100 mg/day) and echocardiography (UCG) was performed at 6-month-interval regularly until the end of observation (24 months). Results: Before the commencement of ARB, no differences were found between the two groups, neither in mean blood pressure (MBP: D group/non-D group: 120 ± 13 vs. 115 ± 14 mmHg) nor in left ventricular mass index (LVMI: D/non-D: 172 ± 41 vs. 165 ± 41 g/m²). During the 24-month follow-up, there were significant and similar reductions in MBP in both groups. In respect to LVMI, a significant reduction of LVMI was found in the D group after six months (p < 0.01 vs. basal) with a final reduction rate (FRR) -26 ± 13%, whereas in the non-D group it was found at 24 months (p < 0.01 vs. basal) with FRR -11 ± 16% (p < 0.01 vs. D group). There were significant differences between the two groups at all points (p < 0.05 at 6, 18 and 24 months, p < 0.005 at 12 months, respectively). Conclusion: It is indicated that ARB could insert a regression effect on LVH predominantly in patients with D allele ACE polymorphism, due partly to factor (s) independent of its anti-hypertensive effect.