Association Between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism And Hypertension Risk Among Saudi Subjects From Alkharj Region

Purpose: This study was planned to check for the association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion-deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism with development of hypertension among Saudi subjects from Alkharj.

Methods: This work included 60 subjects, 36 having hypertension and 24 normal controls. Their age mean ± SD was 37 ± 9.8 and 34 ± 8.8 years respectively. Their DNA was analyzed for polymorphisms of ACE; I/D genes using a thermal-cycler for PCR.

Results: Cases had higher frequency of DD (24.6% ) and ID (64.4% ) than II (11%) genotype. Subjects having the DD and ID genotypes showed higher blood pressure or border line hypertension.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism may contribute to development of hypertension in Saudi population.

Keywords: ACE; Polymorphism; hypertension; Saudi population.

ACE GENE POLYMORPHISM IN SAUDIS