The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene and erectile dysfunction risk: a meta‐analysis

Summary Erectile dysfunction ( ED ) is increasingly recognized as a public health problem. Several studies have reported the influence of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme ( ACE ) gene on ED susceptibility, but the results remain controversial. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was conducted using data published previously by other groups. A total of six case‐control studies, including 1039 cases and 927 controls, were selected. The pooled odds ratios ( OR s) and respective 95% confidence intervals ( CI s) were calculated by comparing the carriers of D‐allele with the wild homozygotes ( ID  +  DD vs. II). Comparisons of other genetic models were also performed ( ID  + II vs. DD , DD vs. II, DI vs. II and D vs. I). In the overall analysis, no significant association between the polymorphism and ED risk was observed ( OR =1.07, 95% CI  = 0.84 − 1.37, p  = 0.575 for ID  +  DD vs. II). In the subgroup analysis by ethnic, no significant association was detected among Asian, Latino and European for the comparison of ID  +  DD vs. II (Asian: OR =1.27, 95% CI  = 0.89 − 1.81; Latino: OR =0.76, 95% CI  = 0.46 − 1.27; European: OR =1.06, 95% CI  = 0.67 − 1.66). Results from other comparative genetic models also indicated the lack of associations between this polymorphism and ED risk. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis indicates that the ACE I / D polymorphism might not contribute to the risk of ED .