The Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PDI is a neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology. Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to be implicated to some extent. The ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been associated with common neurodegenerative disorders that share similar clinical and neuropathological features with PD (Alzheimer’s disease). In this study we set out to examine the role of the ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We conducted a case-control association study among 77 PD patients and 50 non-PD controls from Greece. The genotype frequencies for II, ID, and DD were 39, 48, and 13%, respectively, in the PD group and 32, 50, and 18% in the control group. Although the DD frequency was higher in the case group statistical significance was not reached. We conclude that although disease modifying effects cannot be excluded, the ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism is unlikely to be an important determinant of susceptibility to PD in this population.