Association of angiotensin I converting enzyme gene polymorphism with reflux nephropathy in children

Deletion polymorphism of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has bee n studied as a risk factor in various cardiovascular diseases and chronic n ephropathies, Perturbation of local and systemic renin-angiotensin systems is one of the possible mechanisms of the progression of reflux nephropathy. In this study, the implication of ACE gene polymorphism in renal scarring and deterioration of renal function was analyzed in 66 children with vesico ureteral reflux. The genotype for the polymorphism was determined by PCR, a nd renal scar was identified by Tc-99m-DMSA renal scan. The allelic frequen cy of the deletion polymorphism showed no significant difference either bet ween patients with normal renal function and those with decreased renal fun ction or between patients with renal scar and those without. We conclude th at deletion polymorphism of ACE gene, as an independent variable, is not as sociated with reflux nephropathy in children with vesicoureteral reflux. Co pyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.