We could show that SNP rs4291 influences ACE activity and HPA-axis hyperactivity and might therefore represent a common pathophysiologic link for unipolar depression and cardiovascular disease.
The ACE rs4291 TT genotype, which has been associated with HPA axis hyperactivity and higher levels of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), predicted acute stress response and reports of physician-diagnosed CVD in a national sample following collective stress.