The I allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme I/D polymorphism confers protection against coronary artery disease

Background Mutations in genes regulating lipid metabolism, vasoactivity, and coagulation are important modulators of coronary artery disease ( CAD). Objective This study investigated the association between allelic variants of the angiotensin converting enzyme ( ACE), methytetrahydrofolate reductase, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and factor V genes and CAD. Methods Clinical, biochemical, and angiographic information were collected from 300 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization and their DNA was genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results The frequency of the D allele of the ACE gene was significantly higher than the I allele in patients with more than 70% stenosis in any vessel. Among patients with more than 70% stenosis, carriers of the D allele were 2.8 times more likely to be males. The presence of the ACE I allele was negatively associated with CAD with (P=0.02, OR=0.38.) Conclusion This study describes a protective role of the ACE I allele in individuals who may be at risk of developing CAD. Coron Artery Dis 21: 151-156 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.