Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome, Effect on Biopsy Findings.

OBJECTIVE: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II. The ACE gene shows an I/D polymorphism, which correlates with ACE concentrations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution of the ACE I/D genotype in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and healthy controls and study the effect of this polymorphism on clinical and pathologic findings.

METHODS: ACE gene I/D polymorphism of 104 patients with INS and 119 controls were determined.

RESULTS: The DD, ID, and II genotypes were found in 58.7%, 22.1%, and 19.2% of the patients, and in 79.8%, 2.5%, and 17.6% of controls, respectively (p > 0.05). The ID genotype was seen more frequently in patients resistant to treatment.

CONCLUSION: The observed differences with previous reports suggest the influence of the genetic background on disease course. The ACE I/D gene polymorphism's role seems to be more important in renal disease progression than susceptibility.