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.