Association of ACE <i>DD</i> Genotype with Hypertension among the Tribal Populations of South India

Abstract

The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is an important regulator of the blood pressure (BP). The level of the vasoactive peptide Angiotensin-II, is mainly determined by the RAS enzyme, angiotensin converting enzyme-1 (ACE-1). Polymorphisms in ACE gene is reported to be associated with hypertension in various populations worldwide. We investigated the association of ACE I/D polymorphisms with hypertension among the tribal populations of South India. Samples were collected from hypertensive patients (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 37). Genotyping was performed using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with allele specific primers. The DD genotype is significantly observed among the cases (OR = 1.0). Specifically, the DD genotype is more evident among the females (OR = 0 .705) than males (OR = 1.22) and is analysed to be associated with hypertension among the tribal populations of South India.