THE IMPACT OF ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME GENE (I/D) POLYMORPHISM ON PREDISPOSITION TO PREECLAMPSIA

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a multifactorial condition that affects pregnant women and, subsequently, their fetuses. The etiology is still debatable, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing preeclampsia. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is involved in blood pressure homeostasis. Insertion/deletion (I/D) is one of the most important variations in the ACE gene. The study included A total 188 pregnant women (102 healthy controls and 86 women with preeclampsia). The genotypes of ACE (I/D) polymorphism were determined using PCR technique. Results: The frequencies of DD, ID, and II genotypes in the control group were 42.2%, 46.1%, and 11.8%, and in the preeclampsia were 38.4%, 52.3%, and 9.3% respectively. The distribution of genotypes did not differ between the control group and the preeclampsia group (P>0.05). On the other hand, there was a significant difference in (BMI), baby weight at delivery, WBC count, hemoglobin, (RDW), neutrophils, eosinophils, and platelets between the two groups (P<0.05). In addition, a significant higher basophil count was found in individuals with the DD genotype (P<0.05) compared to other genotypes. In conclusion, the ACE (I/D) polymorphism did not contribute to preeclampsia risk in Jordan. The impact of ACE (I/D) polymorphism on basophil count should be confirmed in future investigations.