ACE I/D polymorphism in cognitive impairment and depression among North Indian adults: a pilot study

Cognitive impairment and depression are two common mental health conditions affecting millions worldwide. CI and depression both have complex etiology and multiple genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in their onset and progression. Further, CI and depression often occur as comorbidities, indicating an overlap in their etiologies. The likelihood of developing major depressive illness and CI, the prognosis in response to treatments, and the possibility of adverse reactions to antidepressant medicines are all significantly influenced by genetics. Looking at the limited literature on the role of ACE I/D polymorphism in CI and depression among Indian populations, the present population-based pilot study was conducted with the aim to understand the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with CI and depression among North Indian adults. The present study was conducted among 195 individuals aged 30 years and above. The results of the present study show that the distributions of some of the studied sociodemographic variables, viz., gender, educational status, and employment status, were significantly different between those with and without CI, where a higher percentage of females, nonliterate and unemployed participants were in CI group than in the without CI group (p value < 0.05). For cognitive impairment, none of the models showed a statistically significant association with ACE I/D genotypes or alleles. For depression, two of the models showed a statistically significant association with ACE I/D genotypes or alleles. The ID + DD (D allele) and DD genotypes of ACE I/D polymorphism, with II as a reference, were found to pose a significantly reduced risk for depression (p value < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the D allele of ACE I/D gene polymorphism poses a potentially reduced risk of depression among North Indian adults. In the case of cognitive impairment, the findings suggest that gender, educational status, and employment status may be important factors to consider when assessing the risk of cognitive impairment. However, more research is needed to better understand the complex interplay between sociodemographic and genetic factors and cognitive impairment and depression.