OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate possible interactions among
Angiotensin-I converting enzyme genotype, insertion/deletion polymorphism
and atherosclerosis of vein grafts in Iranian patients, and characterize
their clinical and demographic profile.METHODS In this cross-sectional study, patients who underwent coronary artery bypass
graft surgery more than five years ago, were included for angiographic
analysis. Atherosclerosis was determined by quantitative angiography and
adjusted Gensini score. The gene angiotensin converting enzyme I/D
polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS A total of 102 patients participated in this study. Eighty-four patients
were male. The frequency distribution of DD, ID and II polymorphism were
23.6%, 62.7% and 13.7% respectively. There were no differences among
genotypic groups in age, sex, number of risk factors, number of vein grafts
and months since bypass surgery. According to adjusted Gensini score
[0.18±0.12 (II) vs. 0.11±0.09 (ID) and
0.1±0.09 (DD) P=0.021] the II genotype was
associated with severity of vein graft atherosclerosis.CONCLUSION Although there are conflicting results about gene angiotensin converting
enzyme I/D polymorphism and the degree of venous bypass graft degeneration,
this study suggests an association between ACE genotype II and
atherosclerosis of saphenous vein grafts, however, large samples considering
clinical, demographic and ethnic profile are necessary to confirm these
results.