Gender association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene with ischaemic stroke

We examined the association of the NG011648 polymorphism (insertion/deletion) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with ischaemic stroke occurrence, subtype of ischaemic stroke and ischaemic stroke patients' gender. Patients with first ever ischaemic stroke were recruited prospectively in a period of 18 months. Controls were matched with the patients for age, gender, and known risk factors for stroke. Demographic data, medical history, and vascular risk factors were collected. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis. Stroke and control groups were compared in regard to the prevalence of the NG011648 polymorphism. One hundred and seventy-six patients with ischaemic stroke and 178 controls were recruited and genotyped for NG011648 polymorphism (I/D) of the ACE gene. No significant difference in allele and genotype distributions emerged between control and patient groups, nor in the two subtype groups of lacunars and large artery atherosclerosis. After the data were stratified by gender, a low incidence of II homozygosity in female patients versus female controls (p = 0.05) and male patients (p = 0.013, Z score: -2.49) was found. Our results indicate that I/D polymorphisms may have a role in stroke onset, in respect to gender, with a possible favourable effect of II genotype in females.