Can a high Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) test result reflect elevated Interleukin (IL) levels?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 11, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

A high ACE test result can indeed reflect a high interleukin panel, as both are often elevated in conditions with granulomatous inflammation, such as sarcoidosis, as indicated by the european position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2020 1. When considering the relationship between ACE levels and interleukin panels, it's crucial to understand that ACE is an enzyme involved in blood pressure regulation and is produced by lung endothelial cells, whereas interleukins are cytokines that play a key role in the immune response. In the context of sarcoidosis, a condition characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas, both serum ACE and certain interleukins like IL-2R can be elevated, reflecting disease activity and potentially multiple-organ involvement 1. Key points to consider include:

  • Elevated serum ACE levels are commonly associated with more aggressive disease and multiple-organ involvement in sarcoidosis 1.
  • Interleukins, such as IL-2R, can also be elevated in sarcoidosis, indicating a heightened immune response.
  • The use of serum soluble interleukin-2 (sIL-2R), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and lysozyme levels, alongside fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), has become a useful tool in diagnosing sarcoidosis and evaluating disease activity 1. Given the information from the european position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2020 1, it's reasonable to conclude that a high ACE test result could reflect elevated levels on an interleukin panel, particularly in the context of conditions like sarcoidosis where both markers are often increased.

From the Research

Relationship Between ACE Test Results and Interleukin Panel

  • The relationship between a high ACE test result and a high interleukin panel is not directly addressed in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, study 2 suggests that serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels are more sensitive than angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels in supporting a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
  • Study 3 found that serum ACE levels are elevated in patients with sarcoidosis, but does not discuss the relationship between ACE levels and interleukin panels.
  • Study 5 discusses the role of ACE in regulating inflammation and immune responses, and suggests that centrally acting ACE inhibitors may suppress type I interferon responses and decrease inflammation in lupus-prone mice.

ACE Test Results and Disease Severity

  • Study 3 found that ACE levels decreased after the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with sarcoidosis, suggesting that ACE levels may be related to disease activity.
  • Study 6 found no association between serum ACE activity and COVID-19 disease severity, suggesting that ACE levels may not always reflect disease severity.

Interleukin Panels and Disease Severity

  • Study 2 found that sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with multiple organ involvement and parenchymal infiltration, suggesting that interleukin panels may be related to disease severity.
  • Study 5 found that centrally acting ACE inhibitors decreased autoantibody levels and immune complex deposition in kidney and brain, suggesting that interleukin panels may be related to disease severity in lupus-prone mice.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.