Objectives
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and suicide worldwide. It has strong genetic etiopathogenesis, especially that related to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism. Therefore, this research tackled the relation between genetic variants of ACE polymorphism and symptomatology profile of major depression.
Patients and methods
A total of 42 patients diagnosed with depression matched with 39 controls underwent Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis clinician version, Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis-nonpatient edition, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, real-time PCR for genotyping, and serum cortisol level assay.
Results
ACE I/D gene polymorphism was significantly higher in patients with major depression (45.2%) compared with the control group (25.6%). Patients with I/D polymorphism showed longer duration of illness; greater severity; higher number of episodes and rate of hospitalization; higher tendency to be prescribed serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and to receive electroconvulsive therapy; higher scores of core depressive symptoms, such as guilt feeling, inability to work, and suicidal ideation; and higher serum cortisol level than the other genotype groups.
Conclusion
Our findings support the notion that ACE I/D polymorphism affects major depression severity and symptomatology imprint.