Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and physical disability worldwide. Genetic, environmental and demographic factors contribute to the development of Stroke. Genetic polymorphism of Rennin-angiotensin- aldosterone system (RAAS) has been extensively studied to determine the genetic susceptibility to stroke. The insertion/deletion (I/D) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism has been established as a cardiovascular risk factor in some population, but its association with stroke is controversial. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the association between ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and serum ACE level in south Indian patients with ischemic stroke.
Methods: In the present study, 104 ischemic stroke patients and 114 age- and sex-matched control participants were recruited. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Serum ACE levels were measured by colorimetric method.
Results: We observed that DD genotypes were more frequently distributed in cases (42·6%) compared with controls (16·8%). The genotype and allele frequency of ACE gene polymorphism is significantly differed in patients when compared to controls. The mean ACE serum level in IU/l for II, ID, and DD genotypes were 12·1 ± 7·3, 21 ± 12·4, and 51·3 ± 14(P value < 0·001) in cases and 11·5 ± 8·4, 14·8 ± 8, and 22·19 ± 10·3 (P value < 0·001) in controls respectively.
Conclusion: The results of the study show a significant association between ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and ischemic stroke, especially with DD genotype.

ASSOCIATION OF ACE GENE INSERTION/DELETION POLYMORPHISM AND ISCHEMIC STROKE IN SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION