Are the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and activity risk factors for stroke?

Association between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion gene polymorphism with the risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of 53 studies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hemorrhagic stroke (HS) results in significant mortality and disability worldwide. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) is responsible for blood pressure regulation and vascular homeostasis. Our objective was to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis for ascertaining the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with HS since a number of studies depicted inconclusive evidence.

METHODS

Literature search was performed till July 10, 2020 in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Chinese National Knowledge Information and Google Scholar databases with keywords: ('Angiotensin Converting Enzyme' OR 'ACE') AND ('Single Nucleotide polymorphisms' OR 'SNP') AND ('Hemorrhagic stroke or 'HS'). Pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were determined for gene-disease association using either fixed (when I² < 50%) or random effect (when I² > 50%) models. Risk of bias in studies was assessed using funnel plots and sensitivity analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 13.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 53 studies having 5186 HS and 7347 healthy control subjects were included in our meta-analysis. Pooled analyses showed that ACE I/D gene polymorphism had significant association with risk of HS in overall study population [(dominant model: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.12-1.50 & recessive model: OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.46-2.20)]. Population subgroup analyses further revealed significant relationship of ACE I/D polymorphism with ICH in Asians (recessive: OR 1.97, 95% CI = 1.57-2.47) but not in Caucasians (recessive: OR 1.02, 95% CI = 0.76-1.36).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that ACE I/D polymorphism may lead to risk of HS and can be a potential biomarker for HS susceptibility especially in Asian population.

Association Between the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme I/D Polymorphism and Risk of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Meta-Analysis Based on 7186 Subjects

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) causes a quarter of all strokes and is the most common pathology underlying vascular dementia. However, the mechanism of CSVD remains unclear. Numerous studies have investigated whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) intersection/deletion (I/D) polymorphism influences the risk of CSVD, but the results are controversial.

METHODS

We searched English and Chinese databases and calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to examine the existence of genetic associations between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the risk of CSVD. All relevant studies were screened and meta-analyzed using Review Manager 5.4.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies involving 7,186 subjects were identified for the meta-analysis. The results of five genetic models showed a significantly increased risk of CSVD (allelic, OR=1.30; recessive, OR=1.41; dominant, OR=1.34; homozygous, OR=1.55 and heterozygous OR=1.22) in the overall analysis. Furthermore, in subgroup analysis, increased CSVD risks were also observed in Asian and Caucasian populations. We also found no relationship between ACE I/D and leukoaraiosis (LA) in patients with lacunar infarction (LI).

CONCLUSION

The ACE I/D polymorphism was positively associated with CSVD in both populations. However, this polymorphism did not increase the risk of LA in LI patients.

Genetic variations of renin-angiotensin and fibrinolytic systems and susceptibility to coronary artery disease: a population genetics perspective

BACKGROUND

Genetic predisposition is an important risk factor in coronary artery disease (CAD).This study was conducted to determine the polymorphism frequencies of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) gene 4G/5G, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) gene A1166C genotypes and to examine the role of these polymorphisms in CAD.

METHODS

Genomic DNAs obtained from 260 subjects (130 CAD patients and 130 control) were used in the study. ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis. AT-1 A1166C polymorphism was determined using the PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and electrophoresis. The products amplified from AT1 gene by PCR were cut with HindIII restriction endonuclease and then analyzed by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. The results were statistically analyzed with the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and independent two-sample t-test.

RESULTS

Allele frequencies showed statistically significant differences between the patient and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in ACEI/D genotype frequencies between the twogroups. Likewise, no statistically significant difference was found in the AT1 A1166C genotype frequencies; however, a statistically significant difference was found in allele frequencies. The PAI-1 4G/5G genotype frequency was significantly higher in the patient group.

CONCLUSIONS

While there is a relationship between of PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism and CAD, ACE gene I/D and AT1 gene A1166C polymorphisms are not related. PAI-1 gene homozygous genotypes may be considered as a prognostic marker for CAD patients.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (I/D) gene polymorphism contributes to ischemic stroke risk in Caucasian individuals: a meta-analysis based on 22 case-control studies

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a multifactorial disease in which genetic factors play an important role. Previous studies associated angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) (insertion/deletion, I/D) gene polymorphism with ischemic stroke risk in Caucasian individuals reported conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between ACE (I/D) gene polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk by a meta-analysis.

METHODS

The related studies were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and HuGEnet databases. The odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ischemic stroke risk associated with this polymorphism were estimated using fixed-effect or random-effects model. Twenty-two studies (5528/5081 cases/controls) were eligible in our meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, statistical associations of the ACE (I/D) polymorphism with ischemic stroke risk were found in dominant model (DD + ID versus II) : OR = 1.21, 95% CI = (1.06,1.38), P = 0.006, recessive model (DD versus ID + II): OR = 1.28, 95% CI = (1.05,1.55), P = 0.01, and homozygote comparison (DD versus II): OR = 1.37, 95% CI = (1.14,1.65), P = 0.001 for Caucasians. When stratifying according to stroke subtypes, there were similarly significant differences for small vessel disease in dominant model (DD + ID versus II) : OR = 1.44, 95% CI = (1.01,2.05), P = 0.04, recessive model (DD versus ID + II): OR = 1.30,95% CI = (1.09,1.55), P = 0.004, and homozygote comparison (DD versus II): OR = 1.44, 95% CI = (1.15,1.80), P = 0.001.

CONCLUSION

This analysis suggests that the ACE (I/D) polymorphism may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke, genotype DD of ACE could increase the risk of ischemic stroke in Caucasians. Subgroup analyses indicate that stroke subtypes may be a genetic risk factor of ischemic stroke, and there might be a greater genetic liability with small vessel disease.

ACE-II genotype and I allele predicts ischemic stroke among males in south India

Two hundred ischemic stroke patients and 193 age and sex matched healthy controls were studied for the presence of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion (ACE I/D) gene polymorphism. The PCR studies revealed that ACE 'II' (OR = 2.055; p = 0.004) genotype and 'I' (OR = 1.411; p = 0.018) alleles were significantly associated with IS patients. Gender specific analysis revealed a strong association of 'II' (OR = 2.044; p = 0.014) genotype and 'I' (OR = 1.531; p = 0.011) allele with male sex. Classification of patients based on TOAST criteria, revealed a significant association for 'II' genotype (OR = 1.713; p = 0.043) and 'I' (OR = 1.382; p = 0.039) allele in LVD patients only. When the data was stratified based on age and sex, a statistically significant association was observed for ACE 'II' genotype (OR = 2.288; p = 0.006) and 'I' allele (OR = 1.395; p = 0.054) in IS male patients of > 50 years of age. The ACE 'D' allele was found to be increased in controls (OR = 0.709; p = 0.018) than IS patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking and diabetes were the most powerful independent risk factor in LVD type of stroke. Thus, we presented here an evidence for a strong association of ACE 'II' genotype and 'I' allele compounded by factors such as smoking and diabetes among south Indian IS patients.

Association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and risk of ischemic stroke: an updated meta-analysis of 47,026 subjects from 105 case-control studies

BACKGROUND

The association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism and risk of ischemic stroke (IS) remains controversial and ambiguous. To clarify this association, a large meta-analysis was performed.

METHODS

Electronic databases in both English and Chinese were used to identify relevant studies (updated in February 2014). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to describe the strength of the association.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty eligible studies, including 18,258 IS cases and 28,768 controls, were identified. Meta-analysis of these studies pointed to a significant association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and IS risk: (D vs. I: OR=1.354, 95% CI=1.272-1.440, P<0.001; DD vs. II: OR=1.755, 95% CI=1.561-1.973, P<0.001; ID vs. II: OR=1.178, 95% CI=1.098-1.263, P<0.001; DD vs.

ID/II

OR=1.535, 95% CI=1.399-1.684, P<0.001; DD/ID vs. II: OR=1.353, 95% CI=1.251-1.463, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly elevated risk among Asians, but with borderline statistical significance among Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that the ACE I/D polymorphism may be a genetic susceptibility factor for IS, especially among Asians, but with borderline statistical significance for Caucasians. Further investigations are needed to validate our conclusions.

The ACE DD genotype and D-allele are associated with exceptional longevity: a meta-analysis

The ACE I/D polymorphism has been associated with longevity, although not consistently. The objective of this study was to detect the possible unequal distribution of the alleles and genotypes of this polymorphism among centenarians and younger segments of the population. Relevant data were extracted from studies in the literature, comparing genotype and allele frequencies between centenarians and younger controls. The association of ACE I/D polymorphism with exceptional longevity was analyzed in a total of 1803 centenarians and 10,484 controls using the chi-square test with the Yates correction. We conducted combined analyses for all ethnic groups studied in the literature (Caucasian, Chinese and Korean) as well as for Caucasians only. The DD genotype (odds ratio (OR): 1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.54), P=0.032) and the D-allele were more frequent in Caucasian centenarians compared with their younger controls (OR: 1.16 (95% CI: 1.05-1.28), P<0.001). Similar findings were obtained when all ethnic origin groups were included in the analyses, with no evidence of publication bias or heterogeneity (P>0.05). The present meta-analysis indicates that the ACE D-allele and the DD genotype might confer a modest, albeit significant advantage to reach exceptional longevity.

Frequency of angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphism in Turkish acute stroke patients

This study was performed in acute stroke patients in the Turkish population to determine the frequency of the A1166C polymorphism in the AT1 gene and to examine the role of this polymorphism in acute stroke development. In this study, 257 genomic DNA samples were analysed (from 206 acute stroke patients and 51 healthy individuals). Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood using the salt-extraction method. The presence of the A1166C polymorphism in the AT1 gene was determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. PCR products were separated by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. In this study, the allele frequency at the A1166C position was 92% A and 8% C for control and 97% A and 3% C for patients. This difference in allele frequency between the control group and the patient group was not statistically significant. However, genotype and allele frequencies showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the control and the patient groups. The results of this study show no relationship between the A1166C polymorphism in the AT1 gene and acute stroke in the Turkish population.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism contributes to ischemic stroke risk: a meta-analysis of 50 case-control studies

Background

Many studies have investigated the association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and risk of ischemic stroke. However, the evidence is inadequate to draw robust conclusions because most studies were generally small and conducted in heterogeneous populations. To shed light on these inconclusive findings, we conducted a large meta-analysis of studies relating the ACE I/D polymorphism to the risk of ischemic stroke.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and Embase through February 2012 and by reviewing the references of retrieved articles. We included studies that reported odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between this polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk.

Results

Fifty independent publications, with 10 070 stroke cases and 22 103 controls, were included. The results indicated that the DD homozygote carriers had a 37% higher risk of ischemic stroke when compared with the homozygotes II and heterozygote ID [odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–1.53]. Subgroup analyses indicated that this higher risk was more pronounced among Asians, hospital-based studies, and small vessel disease (SVD). Potential publication bias may exist, but correction for this bias using a formal statistical method did not materially alter the combined risk estimate.

Conclusion

The results of our meta-analysis indicate that the D allele of ACE I/D polymorphism is a low-penetrance susceptibility marker of ischemic stroke.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme deletion allele is beneficial for the longevity of Europeans

The human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is one of the most investigated candidate genes for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the understanding of its role among the elderly is vague. Therefore, this study focuses at: (a) testing the association of ACE polymorphism with CVD risk factors among the elderly, and (b) detecting the possible unequal distribution of ACE genotypes between senescent and younger segments of the European populations. The association of ACE I/D polymorphism with CVD health status [hypertension (HT), obesity, dislypidemia] in 301 very old subjects (88.2 ± 5 years; F/M = 221/80) was tested by means of logistic regression analysis. The meta-analysis of D allele frequency in general vs. elderly (80+ years) groups was conducted using all publicly available data for European populations comprising both age cohorts. Multiple multinomial logistic regression revealed that within this elderly sample, age (younger olds, 80-90 years), female sex (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.59-6.19), and elevated triglycerides (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.29-4.95) were positively associated with HT, while ACE polymorphism was not. It was also established that the DD genotype was twice as high in 80+ cohort compared to general population of Croatia (p < 0.00001). This trend was confirmed by the meta-analysis that showed higher D allele frequencies in olds from nine of ten considered European populations (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.08-1.31). The data in elderly cohort do not confirm previously reported role of ACE DD genotype to the development of HT. Moreover, meta-analysis indicated that ACE D allele has some selective advantage that contributes to longevity in majority of European populations.

The genetics of primary haemorrhagic stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage and ruptured intracranial aneurysms in adults

Background

The genetic basis of haemorrhagic stroke has proved difficult to unravel, partly hampered by the small numbers of subjects in any single study. A meta-analysis of all candidate gene association studies of haemorrhagic stroke (including ruptured subarachnoid haemorrhage and amyloid angiopathy-related haemorrhage) was performed, allowing more reliable estimates of risk.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of all genetic studies in haemorrhagic stroke was conducted. Electronic databases were searched until and including March 2007 for any candidate gene in haemorrhagic stroke. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for each gene disease association using fixed and random effect models.

Results

Our meta-analyses included 6,359 cases and 13,805 controls derived from 55 case-control studies, which included 12 genes (13 polymorphisms). Statistically significant associations with haemorrhagic stroke were identified for those homozygous for the ACE/I allele (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.20–1.83; p = 0.0003) and for the 5G allele in the SERPINE1 4G/5G polymorphism (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03–1.96; p = 0.03). In addition, both &b.epsi;2 and &b.epsi;4 alleles of APOE were significantly associated with lobar haemorrhage (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.26–2.62; p = 0.002 and OR, 1.49; 95% 1.08–2.05; p = 0.01 respectively). Furthermore, a significant protective association against haemorrhagic stroke was found for the factor V Leiden mutation (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.10–0.87; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Our data suggests a genetic contribution to some types of haemorrhagic stroke, with no overall responsible single gene but rather supporting a polygenic aetiology . However, the evidence base is smaller compared to ischaemic stroke. Importantly, for several alleles previously found to be associated with protection from ischaemic stroke, there was a trend towards an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke.

Genetic polymorphisms for the study of multifactorial stroke

Single-gene disorders explain only a minority of stroke cases. Stroke represents a complex trait, which is usually assumed to be polygenic. On this topic, the role of a wide number of candidate genes has been investigated in stroke through association studies, with controversial results. Therefore, it is difficult for the clinician to establish the validity and the level of clinical applicability of the previously reported associations between genetic factors and stroke. This review is an update and an extensive analysis of the more recent association studies conducted in stroke. We evaluated a number of studies on several candidate genes (including F5, F2, FGA/FGB/FGG, F7, F13A1, vWF, F12, SERPINE1, ITGB3/PLA1/PLA2/ITGA2B, ITGA2, GP1BA, ACE, AGT, NOS3, APOE, LPL, PON1, PDE4D, ALOX5AP, MTHFR, MTR, and CBS), providing a final panel of genes and molecular variants. We categorized this panel in relation to the degree of association with stroke, supported by the results of meta-analyses and case-control studies. Our findings could represent a useful tool to address further molecular investigations and to realize more detailed meta-analyses.

ACE I/D polymorphism in Korean patients with ischemic stroke and silent brain infarction

OBJECTIVES

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism may play a role in stroke and silent brain infarction (SBI) susceptibility, but the results among the populations studied to date have not been consistent. Thus, we investigated the association between ACE genotypes and ischemic stroke and SBI in Korean patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

DNA samples from 237 stroke patients, 264 SBI patients and 234 age-matched controls were amplified using polymerase chain reaction to detect the ACE ins/del (I/D) polymorphism. Genotype was determined by the presence of a 490-bp band (I allele) or a 190-bp band (D allele) in agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Odds ratios of the I/D and D/D genotypes and the overall (I/D + D/D) for the I/I genotype were significantly different between stroke patients and normal controls. However, there was no significant difference between patients with SBI and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first report of a significant association between ACE polymorphism and ischemic stroke in the Asian population. Although no consistent associations have been found between ACE polymorphism and stroke in the populations studied to date, the ACE polymorphism may be a genetic determinant of ischemic stroke, at least in Korean patients.