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ACE

A Genetic Link Between Fear and PTSD (ACE)

Written by Shany Lahan, MS (Neuroscience) on September 25th, 2020

The ACE gene codes for an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II may be involved in fear-based memories and stress associated with PTSD. Read more to learn about the link between a variant of ACE and increased risk of PTSD, and how to mitigate the negative effects of this variant.

Summary

ACE codes for angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE). A variant of ACE may play a role in PTSD by enhancing fear-based memories and promoting symptoms of stress. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of this variant by inhibiting activity of ACE, or lowering levels of ACE and angiotensin II.

ACE and PTSD

The ACE gene codes for angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE), which can raise blood pressure by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a protein that constricts blood vessels [R].

Angiotensin II exerts its effects on blood pressure by activating angiotensin receptors. Therefore, medications that physically block angiotensin receptors (angiotensin receptor blockers) or inhibit the activity of ACE (ACE inhibitors) are commonly prescribed to ameliorate high blood pressure [R].

Interestingly, these medications are also prescribed for other conditions, such as PTSD. While individuals with PTSD often have high blood pressure that may be regulated by angiotensin receptor blockers or ACE inhibitors, recent evidence suggests that these medications may also help regulate responses to fear-based memories [R, R, R, R].

Indeed, individuals with PTSD often experience symptoms of stress and hyperarousal (anxiety) in response to events that elicit traumatic, fear-based memories. In line with this, angiotensin receptors can be found in the amygdala, a region of the brain well-known to be involved in fear responses [R, R].

A reduction in angiotensin receptors was observed in the amygdala of a mouse model of PTSD after treatment with a common angiotensin receptor blocker. The mice were also trained to expect (and therefore fear) a shock to their feet upon hearing a certain sound. Treatment with the angiotensin receptor blocker reduced symptoms of fear in these mice when exposed to the same sound. These findings suggest that angiotensin receptor blockers are able to act on the amygdala and ameliorate fear-based memories, thus reducing symptoms of PTSD [R].

A variant of ACE has been associated with increased risk of PTSD. Although the mechanism behind this association has not yet been elucidated, it’s possible that this variant produces ACEs with increased enzymatic activity. This would result in increased levels of angiotensin II, which can act on angiotensin receptors in the amygdala to enhance fear-based memories and promote symptoms of stress and anxiety in PTSD [R].

Your ACE Results for PTSD

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs4311

Primary SNP: ACE rs4311

‘T’ = Increased risk of PTSD and its associated symptoms
‘C’ = Not associated with PTSD

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Exercise

Individuals who regularly take part in physical exercise have been observed to experience lower levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, a number of studies have shown that individuals who do not exercise regularly may be at increased risk of anxiety [R, R].

Physical exercise interventions based on aerobic exercise, resistance training, or both improved PTSD in multiple trials. While aerobic exercise was more effective at reducing stress and anxiety, resistance training also helped ameliorate PTSD symptoms (such as hyperarousal) and tolerance to stress [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

In a randomized controlled trial, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise was found to reduce blood pressure by lowering levels of both ACE and angiotensin II [R].

Exercise may reduce symptoms of PTSD by lowering levels of ACE and angiotensin II.

Diet

Tea (L-Theanine & Catechins)

L-theanine is an amino acid found in white tea, black tea, green tea, and oolong. L-theanine has been widely praised for its calming effects [R].

In animal studies, L-theanine was found to alleviate behavioral symptoms of PTSD [R, R].

Taken after the performance of mental tasks, L-theanine alleviated symptoms of stress while also lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Indeed, green tea and rooibos tea were found to inhibit ACE activity in a small randomized controlled trial [R, R, R].

ACE activity was also observed to be inhibited by catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Catechins are antioxidants found in tea [R].

In an animal study, EGCG diminished cognitive and behavioral symptoms of PTSD [R].

Researchers have yet to study the effects of tea, L-theanine, or catechins on humans with PTSD. However, current research on animals, as well as the benefits of L-theanine on stress in humans, suggest promising future results.

Tea contains L-theanine and catechins, which may reduce symptoms of PTSD by inhibiting ACE activity.

Supplements

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Curcumin is an active compound found in turmeric [R].

In rats with PTSD, curcumin ameliorated fear-based memories and reduced symptoms of anxiety [R, R].

Although studies focusing on curcumin supplementation have yet to be conducted on human participants with PTSD, its benefits on general symptoms of anxiety and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression suggest promise for future studies [R].

In two animal studies, curcumin was observed to significantly decrease the production of ACE [R, R].

Curcumin (turmeric) may ameliorate fear-based memories and reduce anxiety in PTSD by decreasing production of ACE.

Shany Lahan

MS (Neuroscience)

Shany received her MSc in Neuroscience from Western University.

Prior to joining SelfDecode, Shany conducted research related to Alzheimer’s disease, and taught science to undergraduate students. She believes that research should be accessible to everyone, regardless of scientific background. Shany joined SelfDecode with a mission to help others optimize their health and wellbeing – as well as help them understand the science behind it all.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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A Genetic Link Between Fear and PTSD (ACE)

Summary

ACE and PTSD

Your ACE Results for PTSD

SNP Table

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Exercise

Diet

Tea (L-Theanine & Catechins)

Supplements

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Disclaimer

More mental health blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

Individual DNA Reports

Methylation Pathway - MTHFR Test

Histamine Intolerance DNA Pathway Report

Gut Health, Digestion & IBS DNA Report

Autoimmune Disease Risk & Prevention DNA Report

See all reports

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports