Association Between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene I/D Polymorphism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Susceptibility: a Meta-analysis

Rec ent studies have suggested a closer association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) risk, but the results were inconsistent. We conducted this meta-analysis to explore the precise associations between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and PCOS risk. Online electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, SCI index, CNKI, and Wanfang) were searched. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and PCOS risk. In addition, heterogeneity, accumulative/sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were conducted to check the statistical power. Overall, 12 published case-control studies with 2248 patients and 1759 controls were included according to the criteria. Significant increased risk was found for PCOS susceptibility with I/D mutation (D vs. I: OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.24-2.11, P < 0.01, I-2 = 86.1%; DD vs. II: OR = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.35-3.27, P < 0.01, I-2 = 79.8%; ID + DD vs. II: OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.06-2.32, P = 0.02, I-2 = 79.3%; DD vs. II + ID: OR = 1.91, 95%CI = 1.39-2.65, P < 0.01, I-2 = 79.1%). Furthermore, some similar associations were also observed in subgroups. In summary, the current evidences indicated that ACE gene I/D polymorphism plays an important role in PCOS development, both in Asian and Caucasian descendants.

Automated summary

The meta-analysis found a significant association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and PCOS risk, showing that the variations are related to increased susceptibility to PCOS.