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

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.