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The association between preeclampsia and angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism
Figen Gürdöl1, Elif Işbilen, Hülya Yilmaz
1Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa 34093, Istanbul, Turkey. figur@istanbul.edu.tr
Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|February 18, 2004
Summary
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) deletion polymorphism (D allele) is linked to preeclampsia. Preeclamptic women with the II genotype showed lower ACE activity, suggesting a genetic influence on the condition.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Plasma and tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity is genetically influenced.
- The deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene is linked to endothelial disturbances and various diseases.
- The prevalence of ACE gene deletion polymorphism in preeclampsia varies geographically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the insertion/deletion genotype distribution of the ACE gene in preeclamptic pregnancies.
- To determine the association between ACE gene polymorphism and ACE activity in preeclamptic patients.
Main Methods:
- Study included 95 preeclamptic, 50 normotensive pregnant patients, and 39 healthy nonpregnant individuals.
- ACE gene polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and agarose electrophoresis.
- Statistical analysis involved Pearson's chi(2) test for allele frequency and Student's t-test for ACE activity.
Main Results:
- The D allele of the ACE gene was significantly associated with preeclampsia (p<0.05, OR=1.53).
- Preeclamptic patients with the II genotype exhibited significantly lower ACE activity compared to other genotypes (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- An association exists between the II genotype and reduced ACE activity in preeclamptic women.
- The D allele frequency is associated with preeclampsia.
- Pregnancy itself did not alter ACE activity levels.
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