Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene I/D polymorphism correlates with complications in HCV infected Egyptian Patients

Abstract

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection represents a major health problem in Egypt with a reported prevalence of more than 20%. About 60 to 80% of patients develop chronic infection, which may progress to complications; others may have HCV latent infection for years or may have an eventual recovery. Different factors may affect the outcome of HCV (e.g. age, other virus infections). Different studies have illustrated a genetic predisposition for viral infections and development of complications. The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism has been associated with the development of different diseases, however few data are available about the association if any with HCV infection and development of complications. Aims: The current study aimed at investigating whether there is a difference in I/D ACE genotypes distribution in a cohort of HCV Egyptian patients compared to their healthy counterparts and whether there is a significant association between different I/D genotypes and markers of HCV disease severity.