Purpose: An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the gene for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is associated with higher ACE plasma levels and activity. This enzyme is known to play an important role in blood pressure regulation and the ACE I/D gene polymorphism has been suggested as a risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a hypothesized association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and retinal artery occlusion (RAO).
Methods: A total of 159 patients with RAO and 304 control subjects were enrolled in the present retrospective case-control study. ACE I/D genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction.
Results: Allelic frequencies and genotype distribution of the ACE I/D polymorphism did not significantly differ between patients and control subjects (ACE DD 25.8% versus 28.0%; p = 0.36). A logistic regression analysis predicted the presence of RAO by arterial hypertension and current smoking status, but not by ACE I/D genotypes.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism is not a major risk factor for RAO.