Scientific Background: | ACE1 (angiotensin converting enzyme-1, ACE) is a key regulator of blood pressure. ACE, angiotensin I and angiotensin II are part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which controls blood pressure by regulating the volume of fluids in the body. ACE is secreted in the lungs and kidneys. Elevated levels of ACE are found in sarcoidosis, leprosy, hyperthyroidism, acute hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, multiple myeloma, osteoarthritis, amyloidosis, Gaucher disease, pneumoconiosis, histoplasmosis, and miliary tuberculosis. Serum levels are decreased in renal disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypothyroidism. |