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Published on: April 1, 2019
Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism in inflammatory bowel diseases
Simone Saibeni1, Luisa Spina, Tiziana Virgilio
1Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Service, IRCCS Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli, Regina Elena and University of Milan, Milan, Italy. saobo@tiscali.it
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|December 1, 2007
Summary
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism is not linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, the D allele may increase the risk of extraintestinal manifestations in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) are interconnected and implicated in various physiological and disease states, potentially including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the RAS and a major catabolic enzyme in the KKS.
- The ACE I/D polymorphism, specifically the D allele, is associated with higher ACE levels and may play a detrimental role in certain diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of the ACE I/D polymorphism in patients with IBD.
- To determine any association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and specific IBD disease characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping for the ACE I/D polymorphism was performed on 232 IBD patients (124 with ulcerative colitis, 108 with Crohn's disease) and 99 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare genotype distributions between patient groups and controls.
- Associations between ACE I/D genotypes and clinical features, including extraintestinal manifestations, were examined.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in the distribution of ACE I/D genotypes (DD, ID, II) were found between IBD patients and healthy controls.
- No significant differences were observed in genotype distribution between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients.
- In ulcerative colitis patients, the DD genotype and carriage of the D allele were significantly associated with the presence of extraintestinal manifestations (OR=4.08, P<0.003 and OR=3.07, P<0.003, respectively).
Conclusions:
- The ACE I/D polymorphism is not associated with the overall development of IBD.
- The D allele of the ACE I/D polymorphism appears to be a risk factor for developing extraintestinal manifestations in patients with ulcerative colitis.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking ACE activity and extraintestinal manifestations in UC.
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