Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme intron 16 insertion/deletion polymorphism with history of foetal loss

• Main Authors: Larisa Bukreeva, Alexander Grigorov, Holger Kiesewetter, Berthold Hoppe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi - SAGE Publishing 2009-12-01
• Series: Journal of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/1470320309343813

Introduction. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) intron 16 insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism is associated with ACE activity and has been discussed as a risk factor for pre-eclampsia. Disturbances of uteroplacental circulation are involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. In this study, we tested whether the ACE I/D genotype is associated with history of foetal loss (FL) or uteroplacental dysfunction (UPD). Patients and methods. ACE I/D genotype was determined in 312 women presenting with a history of FL and 112 women admitted because of UPD. The association of the ACE I/D genotype with FL or UPD was assessed in a case-control study using 527 patients with diagnoses other than FL or UPD. To exclude potential biases due to associations of this genotype with other diagnoses, we additionally performed a case-control study using 553 healthy controls. Results. ACE I/D genotype was significantly associated with history of FL in both case-control studies (patient controls: odds ratio 1.52, p<0.02; healthy controls: odds ratio 1.48, p=0.02). There was no evidence for allele-dose dependency. No association of the ACE I/D genotype with UPD could be detected. Conclusions. The ACE I/D genotype exhibits a statistically significant association with a history of FL. These results corroborate an involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in pregnancy complications.