ИСТИНА

Abstract Introduction: An important component of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is produced by macrophages in sarcoid granulomas. The role of RAS in sarcoidosis pathogenesis is still unclear. Aim: to assess the role of RAS genes polymorphism in patients with chronic sarcoidosis. Methods: Gene polymorphisms ACE I/D, angiotensinogen (AGT) T704C, angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) A1166C and type 2 (AGTR2) G1675A were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 142 Caucasian patients with chronic sarcoidosis (CS) and in 35 healthy volunteers (HV). Results: AC genotype AGTR1 is significantly more frequent in patients with CS than in HV: 29% vs 5% p=0,026,OR=7,364,90%CI 1,3-41,7). The difference between frequency of other genotypes was not significant. In patients with CS there are significant (p<0,05) associations between: – CC genotype AGT 704 and the onset age, higher occurrence of coughing, Lofgren syndrome, bone lesions, – AA genotype AGTR1 1166 and higher rate of dyspnea, chest pain, serological inflammatory changes at onset, liver involvement, – AC genotype AGTR1 1166 and higher forced vital capacity (FVC), skin involvement, – GA genotype AGTR2 1675 and female gender, onset age, higher occurrence of cough, higher FVC, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), – AA genotype AGTR2 1675 and liver involvement, – DD genotype ACE and higher frequency of asymptomatic disease course, cough, lower kidney function, – II genotype ACE and higher rate of eye involvement, lower FVC. Conclusion: The heterozygous ATR1 A1166C genotype AC is associated with higher sarcoidosis risk. There are significant associations between the RAS genes polymorphism and the clinical features of sarcoidosis.