630 ACE GENE I/D POLYMORPHISM IN HEALTHY SMOKERS

Abstract

Background: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) was first identified as a key component of the rennin-angiotensin system, as its main role is in the conversion of inactive decapeptide Angiotensin I in to active octapeptide Angiotensin II. ACE gene contains a polymorphism based on the absence or presence of a non-sense fragment. In humans ACE I/D Polymorphism is situated in Intron 16 of the ACE gene. The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency of ACE gene I/D polymorphism in Pakistani healthy smokers. Design and methods: A total of 50 smokers and 50 age and sex matched controls were enrolled in the study. Genomic DNA isolated from subjects as well as from the matched controls was used for the detection of ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism by triple primer method with nested PCR. ACE I/D polymorphism was assayed in Intron 16 of the ACE gene. The banding patterns of the three possible genotypes were: DD, 210 bp; II, 498 bp and 264 bp; ID: 498 bp and 210 bp. Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS ver 13. Results: The frequency of DD, ID and II genotypes was same in smokers and in healthy controls. Conclusions: No significant difference was found in the frequency of the insertion (II) and deletion (DD) alleles in the subjects and controls.