Up-regulated Circulating T-cell Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Expression and Activity in Acute Coronary Syndromes

: T-cells are endowed with a functional cell-based renin angiotensin system (RAS), related with and independent by circulating RAS that can autonomously synthesize angiotensin (Ang) II. Angiotensing converting enzyme (ACE) is the key step for the regulation of the synthesis of Ang II by RAS and T-cell ACE gene expression was reported to be up-regulated in hypertensives with low grade inflammation. Ang II and T-cells play a major role in the systemic inflammation that occurs in unstable angina patients, but whether T-cell based RAS is directly involved is unknown .This study was aimed at measuring ACE gene expression and enzymatic activity in the cell pellet and in the supernatant of human cultured circulating T-cells obtained from control subjects, hypertensive or unstable angina patients. C reactive protein (CRP) levels as a marker of systemic inflammation were also investigated.