Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the association of two intronic polymorphisms of the ACE2 gene (rs2285666 and rs4646188) with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Iraqi patients with dyslipidaemia. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from March to September 2023 at the Iraqi Center of Heart Disease, Baghdad, Iraq, and included patients with CAD and dyslipidaemia. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes and real-time qPCR. RESULTS: A total of 170 participants were included in this study. Demographic, echocardiographic, and lipid profile data were analysed, revealing significant differences in age, left ventricular ejection fraction %, LV systolic diameter, LV diastolic diameter and lipid parameters. The T-allele of rs2285666 was significantly associated with CAD risk in both females (odds ratio [OR] = 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-4; P = 0.032) and males (OR = 3, 95% CI: 0.96-9.39; P = 0.05). Similarly, the G-allele of rs4646188 showed a significant association in both sexes (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 0.99-4.15; P = 0.05) and (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.07-6.93; P = 0.38). The polymorphisms were also linked to dyslipidaemia, with rs2285666 (CT+TT in females; P <0.001) and rs4646188 (G-allele in males; P = 0.037) associated with elevated total cholesterol levels. reduced high-density lipoprotein levels were linked to rs2285666 (T-allele in males; P = 0.034) and rs4646188 (AG+GG; P <0.001). Increased low-density lipoprotein levels were associated with rs2285666 (CT+TT; P = 0.006 in females; T-allele; P = 0.018 in males) and rs4646188 (G-allele in males; P = 0.022). Elevated triglyceride levels were linked to rs2285666 (CT+TT; P = 0.01) and rs4646188 (AG+GG; P = 0.001) in females. CONCLUSION: The T-allele of rs2285666 and the G-allele of rs4646188 were identified as potential risk factors for CAD in both sexes, with their effects influenced by dyslipidaemia status.