Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism (Insertion/Deletion) in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Hypertension Among the Indian Population

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is regarded as one of the major global health issues. It is a complex, heterogeneous condition that results from both genetic and environmental factors. The mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology are still not fully understood. The present study aims to investigate Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism (Insertion/Deletion) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Hypertension Among Indian Population. The current study included 300 patients, divided into three groups: 100 with COPD, 100 with COPD and hypertension, and 100 with hypertension alone. Additionally, a control group of 100 healthy individuals was included. The ACE I/D gene was typed using Mutation-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSP). PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis on 1% agarose gel, and the results were visualized using a UV Gel Doc. The results revealed that a notable correlation existed between the D allele and COPD (odds ratio [OR] = 4.987, p ≤ 0.001), for the patients with a combination of COPD and HTN (odds ratio [OR] = 2.691, p ≤ 0.001), and for hypertensive patients only (OR = 2.136, p-value ≤0.01). Nonetheless, non significant association recorded between the homozygous II, heterozygous ID, and homozygous DD genotypes and the incidence of COPD or HTN (p ≤ 0.05). Based on the findings, the study concludes that a significant correlation existed between the D allele in the ACE gene with an increased risk of developing HTN and COPD in patients. The study suggested that this allele may be associated with a higher likelihood of occurrence of both COPD and HTN.