I/D polymorphism and ACE levels in Pima Indians

An insertion/deletion (IID) polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with plasma ACE levels in white populations. The occurrence ofthe I/D polymorphism and relationship to ACE levels was examined in a Pima Indian group (n=305). The frequency of the D allele was lower in Pimas than whites (0-29 v 0-52 respectively). ACE levels were significantly associated with genotype inboth groups (p = 0.0001), which accounted for 6 5% ofthe variation inACE levels in Pimas and 18% in whites. The association of the IID polymorphism with ACE levels confirms the relationship across ethnic groups. The low frequency of the D allele in Pima Indians shows that ethnic differences should be accounted for when studying the ACE gene. (J Med Genet 1996;33:336-337)