Relationship between major depressive disorder and ACE gene I/D polymorphism in a Turkish population

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex disease and a significant health problem that is prevalent across the world. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has an important role in renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and converts inactive angiotensin I to a potent vasopressor and aldosterone-stimulating peptide angiotensin II. Levels of ACE in plasma vary according to the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene. Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine the influence ACE gene I/D variations on the risk of MDD. Methods: In the present case-control study, we analyzed ACE I/D polymorphism in 346 MDD patients and 210 healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: Comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed with regard to either genotype distributions or allele frequencies of the I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism is not associated with MDD in Turkish case-control study. Further studies are still needed.