Lack of Association Between ACE ID Polymorphism and Colorectal Cancer in Romanian Patients

Background: The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has recently been linked to the pathogenesis of human cancers. The goal of this study was to analyze the possible association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and colorectal cancer in Romanian patients.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained, after informed consent, from individuals with colorectal cancer (n=108, M:W = 64:44), and healthy persons (n=150, M:W = 84:66). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes using commercial kits and the insertion (I) / deletion (D) polymorphism was assessed by PCR. Statistical analysis was done using the chi2 test. We determined the odds ratio using the genotype II as risk factor. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The distribution of ACE II: ID: DD genotypes was 23.1%: 46.3%: 30.6% in patients and respectively 20%: 48.7%: 31.3% in controls. The distribution of genotype (chi2 0.37, p = 0.54) and alleles (chi2 0.19, p = 0.65) did not differ significantly between cancer patients and control.

Conclusions: Study results do not demonstrate an association between ACE ID polymorphism and colorectal cancer in our patients.