Common intronic D variant of ACE gene is associated with endothelial dysfunction in COPD.

Background: Pathogenesis of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) includes primary inflammatory events, multiple vascular reactions, remodeling of bronchial and vascular walls.

Objective: The aim of present single-center study was to assess relations between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and prevalence of clinical symptoms characteristic to COPD.

Methods: The study involved sixty-three male patients with COPD (44-86 years old, a mean of 60.