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Published on: September 28, 2015

Polymorphism of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme gene and Kawasaki disease

S-F Wu1, J-S Chang, C-T Peng

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, China Medical University Hospital, No.2 Yuh Der Road Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.

Pediatric Cardiology
|May 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) gene are linked to Kawasaki disease risk in Taiwanese children. Specifically, the I/D and G2350A polymorphisms show an association with this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness characterized by vasculitis in young children.
  • The genetic factors contributing to Kawasaki disease susceptibility are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and Kawasaki disease in a Taiwanese pediatric population.
  • To determine if specific ACE gene polymorphisms are linked to the risk or complications, such as coronary artery aneurysm, of Kawasaki disease.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of ACE gene polymorphisms (I/D, A-240T, G2350A) using polymerase chain reaction.
  • Comparison of genotype and allele frequencies between 107 children with Kawasaki disease and 107 age-matched healthy controls.
  • Analysis of the association between ACE gene polymorphisms and the occurrence of coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki disease patients.

Main Results:

  • A significant difference in the distribution of the ACE gene I/D genotype was observed between Kawasaki disease patients and controls.
  • The ACE gene G2350A polymorphism and its allelic frequencies were associated with Kawasaki disease.
  • No association was found between ACE gene polymorphisms and the frequency of coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki disease.

Conclusions:

  • The I/D and G2350A polymorphisms of the ACE gene play a role in determining the risk of Kawasaki disease in the Taiwanese population.
  • These specific ACE gene variations are not associated with the development of coronary artery aneurysms in children with Kawasaki disease.

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