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.