Interaction between ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus in pancreatic cancer risk: Evidence from an Algerian cohort

Authors

  • Imene Hamiouda 1. Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University Constantine 1 Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria; 2. Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Constantine 3 Salah Boubnider, Constantine, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4848-1807
  • Rania Laouar 1. Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University Constantine 1 Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria; 2. Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Constantine 3 Salah Boubnider, Constantine, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4392-5156
  • Choubeila Salhi 1. Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University Constantine 1 Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria; 2. Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Constantine 3 Salah Boubnider, Constantine, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8245-5460
  • Youcef Khenchoul Department of General Surgery A, Hospital Center University, Constantine 3, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4525-9325
  • Karima Sifi Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Constantine 3 Salah Boubnider, Constantine, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7132-5150
  • Dalila Satta Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University Constantine 1 Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5090-9859

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS251124035H

Keywords:

pancreatic cancer, ACE polymorphism, genetic risk, type 2 diabetes, Algerian population

Abstract

Paper description:

  • Specific genetic variations in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have both been independently studied for their links to pancreatic cancer, with inconsistent results across different populations.
  • We conducted a genetic case-control study in Algeria, comparing 35pancreatic cancer patients to 140 healthy controls to analyze this gene-diabetes interaction.
  • We discovered that the risk from gene variation was significantly elevated only in individuals with T2D, revealing a critical interaction.
  • This identifies a high-risk patient subgroup for potential targeted screening and suggests that existing blood pressure drugs targeting this system warrant investigation for pancreatic cancer prevention.

Abstract: Pancreatic cancer risk was investigated in relation to the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and its interaction with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an Eastern Algerian population through a hospital-based case-control study. The research involved 35 patients with confirmed pancreatic cancer and 140 matched healthy controls. Genotyping was performed to determine ACE I/D profiles, and statistical analysis was used to quantify risk associations. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was common, affecting more than half of the patients. The heterozygous ID genotype was associated with a 2.5-fold increased cancer risk, and this association was significant only among individuals with diabetes. Multivariable analysis suggested the ID genotype as an independent risk factor, with an approximately 8-fold higher risk after adjustments. This preliminary study suggests the ACE I/D polymorphism may influence pancreatic cancer risk, with type 2 diabetes acting as a critical effect modifier and identifying a potential high-risk subgroup for targeted surveillance. These exploratory findings warrant validation in larger, population-based cohorts.

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Published

2026-04-09

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1.
Hamiouda I, Laouar R, Salhi C, Khenchoul Y, Sifi K, Satta D. Interaction between ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus in pancreatic cancer risk: Evidence from an Algerian cohort. Arch Biol Sci [Internet]. 2026Apr.9 [cited 2026Apr.10];78(1):23-31. Available from: https://www.serbiosoc.org.rs/arch/index.php/abs/article/view/11891

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Vol. 78 No. 1 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Imene Hamiouda, Rania Laouar, Choubeila Salhi, Youcef Khenchoul, Karima Sifi, Dalila Satta

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