Angiotensin converting enzyme gene (I/D) polymorphism and susceptibility of childhood asthma and coincident atopic diseases

ACE level has been linked to bronchial hyper-reactivity and airway inflammation. ACE gene (I/D) polymorphism has been associated with asthma and atopy although the findings between cohorts have not been uniform.We conducted this cross-sectional study to evaluate the possible role of ACE gene I/D polymorphism in the association between bronchial asthma and other atopic diseases in asthmatic children and adolescents.Genotyping of ACE gene (I/D) polymorphism was done by RFLP-PCR in 200 asthmatic children and adolescents. Serum levels of total IgE were measured by ELISA. Skin prick test was performed on all participants.We found a high frequency of DD genotype compared to other genotypes. We also noticed that children carrying ACE DD genotype had a higher incidence of asthma and a higher coincidence of allergic rhinitis.In conclusion, our findings represent an evidence for the role of ACE gene I/D polymorphism in childhood asthma and its coincidence with allergic rhinitis.