POLYMORPHISM OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME GENE AND GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ASTHMA WITH FAMILIAL AGGREGATION

Objective. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a key role in the metabolism of angiotensin Ⅱ(AT Ⅱ ) and inactivation of bradykinins and taehykinins, which are potent bronehialeonstrietors and medi-ators of inflammation asthma, and ACE is heavily expressed in the lungs. An insertion-deletion (D/I) polymorphism of ACE gene has been shown to be associated with levels of ACE. We investigate whether the polymorphism of ACE gene is associated with asthma and bronchial responsiveness. Methods. A ease-control study was carried out in 50 asthmatics, 7 families with at least 2 asthmatic individuals, and 50 healthy subjects. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene was ampli-fied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methaeholine brocho-provocation and pulmonary function tests were performed in all asthmatics.Results. There was an higher gene frequency of DD genotype of ACE gene in asthmatic subjects and families individuals compared with healthy subjects (46%, 53% vs 16%, P