[Relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme gene and ischemic stroke].

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
• The role of genetic factors, such as the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, in IS pathogenesis is under investigation.
• Understanding the relationship between ACE gene polymorphisms and IS risk factors is crucial for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke (IS).
• To explore the role of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in hypoxia-stress and its correlation with IS risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of ACE gene I/D polymorphisms in 454 IS patients and 334 controls using PCR and HPLC.
• Recording of IS risk factors in participants.
• Measuring plasma Ang II levels in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats under normal, hypoxia-apnoea, and simple apnoea conditions.

Main Results:

• The DD genotype frequency was higher in IS patients (22.5%) compared to controls (17.4%) and associated with large artery arteriosclerosis (LAA).
• Plasma Ang II levels were significantly elevated in rats exposed to apnoea and hypoxia-apnoea models compared to controls.
• The relative risk of the DD genotype and D allele for IS was higher in patients with smoking, alcohol abuse, or diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

• The DD genotype of the ACE gene is identified as a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
• Angiotensin II is implicated in the pathogenesis of IS, particularly in the context of hypoxia-stress.
• ACE gene variations and Ang II levels are correlated with lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and diabetes mellitus in IS development.