The linkage disequilibrium pattern of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene in Arabic and Asian population groups.

BACKGROUND

DNA variations within the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene have been shown to be involved in the aetiology of several common diseases and the therapeutic response.

METHODS

This study reports a comparison of haplotype analysis of five SNPs in the ACE gene region using a sample of 100 healthy subjects derived from five different populations (Tunisian, Iranian, Kuwaiti, Bahraini and Indian).

RESULTS

Strong linkage disequilibrium was found among all SNPs studied for all populations. Two SNPs (rs1800764 and rs4340) were identified as key SNPs for all populations.

CONCLUSIONS

These SNPs will be valuable for future effective association studies of the ACE gene polymorphisms in Arab and Asian populations.