Association of angiotensin I converting enzyme gene I/D polymorphism and coronary artery disease in the Pakistani population

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the association between angiotensin I converting enzyme gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease in the Pakistani population, given the early onset and aggressive nature of coronary artery disease in this region. Methods A case-control study was conducted involving 540 Pakistani patients with established coronary artery disease and 224 healthy controls. DNA samples were amplified using polymerase chain reaction with primers targeting the insertion (I)/deletion (D) sites of intron 16 of the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene. The polymerase chain reaction products were analyzed for the presence of 490-bp (II), 190-bp (DD), or both (ID) fragments. Results The frequency of the homozygous insertion (II) genotype was 9% in the control group and 25% in coronary artery disease patients, while the homozygous deletion (DD) genotype was 26% in controls and 24% in patients. A significant association was found between the angiotensin I converting enzyme II genotype and coronary artery disease (odds ratio = 7.963, p < 0.0001). Conclusion The angiotensin I converting enzyme II genotype is significantly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease in the Pakistani population, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition to early and aggressive coronary artery disease in this group.