Exploring the Link between ACE Insertion/Deletion (I/D) Polymorphism and Uterine Leiomyomas

Uterine leiomyomas arise from the proliferation of smooth muscle cells. ACE gene encodes a convertase enzyme mainly secreted in vascular endothelial cells which is involved in the renin–angiotensin system and blood pressure controlling. This gene has an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism correlates to serum and tissue ACE levels. The aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between ACE gene variation and the development of myom.
The samples of 55 uterine leiomyoma patients and 78 healthy women were studied. After obtaining informed consent, blood samples were collected and DNA extraction was performed by Salting-out method. Genotyping was performed using PCR reaction. The amplified products were two bands of 190 and 490 bp, which represents D allele and I allele, respectively. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test.
The D allele frequency was 0.55 in the patient group and 0.51 in the control group. The I allele frequencies in the two groups were 0.45 and 0.49, respectively. The results showed that taking the II genotype into account as reference genotype; homozygous DD individuals were at increased risk of uterine myoma (Odds ratio: 1.37). However, heterozygous ID showed a similar risk with the II genotype as the reference group.
High blood pressure is significantly associated with uterine fibroids. It has been shown that atherosclerotic damage of uterine blood vessels and the inflammatory process caused by it may play an important role in the development of uterine myoma. This study indicates a positive relationship between the ACE (I/D) polymorphism and the risk of uterine myoma. This finding is evidence of the important role of the renin–angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of myoma