Meta-analysis of association between insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene and venous thromboembolism

An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene accounts for 50% of the interindividual serum ACE level variation. Because the renin-angiotensin system regulates coagulation and vasoconstriction, it could have a role in venous thromboembolism (VTE). Several studies have evaluated the relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism and VTE, although the findings have been controversial. We performed a meta-analysis by pooling data from 14 studies. Publication bias was not observed. The current study did not support any association between the DD genotype and VTE. The pooled odds ratio (ORp) was 1.206; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.951-1.531; P =.123. Similar results were obtained when the effects of the D allele were assumed to be dominant (DD and ID vs II; ORp = 1.127, 95% CI, 0.902-1.409). Our data do not support the inclusion of ACE I/D polymorphism testing in clinical thrombophilia workups until more compelling data are made available.