The ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and its association with metabolic syndrome

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• The angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is implicated in metabolic syndrome (MetS) development.
• Previous studies on the association between ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and MetS have yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and metabolic syndrome.
• To clarify the role of the ACE I/D polymorphism in the pathogenesis of MetS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases.
• Ten studies comprising 1939 cases and 2845 controls were included in the meta-analysis.
• Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models.

Main Results:

• The ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased odds ratio of MetS under a dominant model (DD + ID vs II: OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.22-1.60; P < .001).
• This association remained consistent across different ethnic populations, MetS definitions, and studies with larger sample sizes (>100 cases).
• The D allele of the ACE gene, linked to higher angiotensinogen levels, showed a significant association with increased MetS risk.

Conclusions:

• The D allele of the ACE gene is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
• Despite consistent findings across subgroups, the limited sample size necessitates further investigation to confirm this association.
• This meta-analysis highlights the potential role of the ACE I/D polymorphism in metabolic syndrome development.