Renin-angiotensin system-related gene polymorphisms are associated with risk of atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND
Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, many publications have studied the associations between RAS-related gene polymorphisms and AF risk, with inconsistent results. To further evaluate these associations, we carried out a meta-analysis of all the published studies.


METHODS
Electronic searches were used to identify published studies evaluating RAS-related gene polymorphisms and AF risk before April 2009. We extracted data sets and performed meta-analysis with standardized methods.


RESULTS
A meta-analysis of 12 publications on association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE insertion/deletion) and AF risk was performed. The pooled relative risk (RR) of allele D versus I was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.07-1.32, P < .01), pooled RR of DD and DI versus II was 1.31(95% CI, 1.09-1.58, P < .01) and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.97-1.16, P = .22) respectively. In subgroup analysis, a stronger association was found in hypertensive population, Western ethnic, lone AF, and patients aged > or = 65 years, with pooled RR of DD versus II was 1.74 (95% CI, 1.39-2.18, P < .01), 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01-1.59, P = .04), 1.53 (95% CI, 1.31-1.78, P < .01) and 1.38 (95% CI, 1.10-1.73, P < .01), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggested an association between ACE insertion/deletion and AF risk. More large-scale studies are warranted to document the conclusive evidence of the effects of the RAS genes on AF risk.
Xiao
Peilin
P
Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China.
Ling
Zhiyu
Z
Woo
Kamsang
K
Du
Huaan
H
Su
Li
L
Liu
Zengzhang
Z
Yin
Yuehui
Y
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000235:genetics*; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000235:genetics*
D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A