Summary
The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the gene for angiotensin-converting-enzyme
(ACE) is associated with ACE plasma levels and activity. Conflicting results have
been reported about the relevance of this polymorphism for venous thrombosis. The
aim of the present study was to analyze the role of this polymorphism for deep venous
thrombosis. The study was designed as a case-control study, including 330 patients
with documented deep venous thrombosis and 354 controls. ACE genotype was determined
by size-analysis of polymerase chain reaction products. Results showed that, ACE genotype
frequencies were similar between patients (II: 24.8%; ID: 43.3%; DD: 31.8%) and controls
(II: 22.9%; ID: 50.6%; DD: 26.6%, P = 0.15).The adjusted odds ratio of carriers of
the DD genotype for venous thrombosis was 1.24 (95% confidence interval 0.90–1.80).The
polymorphism was furthermore not associated with age at first thromboembolic event
or the occurrence of pulmonary embolism. From these results, we can conclude that
the ACE I/D polymorphism is not a significant risk factor for deep venous thrombosis.
Keywords
Angiotensin-converting-enzyme - polymorphism - genetics - venous thromboembolism