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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (apf) in the blood
Last reviewed: 18.10.2021
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood is a specific enzyme present in small amounts in the epithelial tissue of the kidneys, in the main amount - in the human lungs, as well as in blood serum. The name of the enzyme is the explanation of its functions. ACE is really capable of converting angiotensin into another form of angiotensin. Regulators of vascular tension, pressure - this is angiotensins. The first biologically inactive form, angiotensin-I, is transformed into angiotensin II by means of ACE, which performs important functions: it activates the formation of a hormone responsible for the state of mineral metabolism-aldosterone and regulates the contraction of blood vessels. It can be said that angiotensin II is a threat to all hypertensive patients, since it is he who is involved in increasing blood pressure
In addition, the angiotensin-converting enzyme converts angiotensin, and it also neutralizes the action of the peptide, which dilates the blood vessels and reduces the pressure - it is bradykinin. The ACE is responsible in particular for both aqueous and electrolyte exchanges.
When the angiotensin-converting enzyme (apf) in the blood goes beyond the norm, it is an indicator of many health problems.
An analysis of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (apf) in the blood is assigned for diagnosis:
- Benign lymphogranulomatosis (Bénier-Beauch-Schauman disease, sarcoidosis) because the ACE functions mainly in the lungs.
- To adjust the therapeutic measures for sarcoidosis.
- Correction of therapy with ACE inhibitors.
- A rarely occurring autosomal recessive disease is Gaucher's disease, as well as leprosy.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (apf) in the blood depends on age and should normally be:
- Children from one year to 12 years - no more than 37 units / liter.
- In older children: from 13 to 16 years - from 9 to 33.5 units / liter.
- In people over 16 years of age - from 6 to 26.6 units / liter.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (apf) in the blood is determined by a biochemical study of serum. The analysis is carried out only in the morning, on an empty stomach.
The results of ACE can be influenced by such factors:
- Significantly increase the level of ACE can take drugs containing acetate, chloride, bromide, nitrate, triiodothyronine.
- Significantly lower the level of ACE can take drugs such as ramipril, enalapril, perindopril, captopril.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (apf) in the blood, significantly exceeding the limits of the norm can mean:
- Benign lymphogranulomatosis.
- Acute course of bronchitis.
- Fibrosis of the lungs, tuberculosis.
- Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
- Lymphadenitis (including cervical).
- Mycosis (histoplasmosis).
- Gaucher's disease.
- Hyperthyroidism is chronic.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (apf) in the blood, well below the norm limits indicates:
- Terminal stages of oncoprocess.
- Lung pathology (obstruction).
- Terminal stage of tuberculosis.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood is certainly a serious analytical study, requiring careful and competent interpretation. Despite such a serious and alarming previous information, it should be noted that the properties of ACE are well known and have long been developed drugs - ACE inhibitors, with which medicine controls hypertension, prevents kidney failure in diabetics and the consequences of myocardial infarction.
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