Association between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism and Risk of Hypertension: A Case-control Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a major global public health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. The ACE I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene has been widely investigated in relation to HTN susceptibility. This study sought to ascertain if ACE I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and the risk of HTN were related at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: A hospital-based age- and sex-matched case-control study was conducted involving 118 HTN patients and 118 healthy controls at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Clinical and biochemical data were collected using standard procedures. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and ACE I/D polymorphism of the ACE genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis

Results: Both the ACE-DD genotype (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.29 – 5.71; P= 0.008) and D allele (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.19 – 2.51; P= 0.003) were substantially more prevalent in patients than in controls, suggesting they may be risk factors for the development of hypertension.

Conclusion: The findings point to a potential link between the ACE I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and the occurrence of HTN in the Ethiopian population under study.

Keywords: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme; Genotypes; Hypertension; Risk Factors