[Genetical aspects in cerebrovascular disease]

Stroke is a pathophysiological heterogeneous syndrome with numerous genetic influences.

Previous populational studies had demonstrated the familial correlation. The parental history of stroke has been associated with stroke in the descendant with a significant relative risk of 2. A study of mono- and dizygotic twins found a fivefold risk of stroke among monozygotic compared with dizygotic. Other modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are involve in cerebrovascular disease. Recently, the gene that codifies the angiotensin converting enzyme has been determine. An insertion/deletion polymorphism of was associated with increased levels of angiotensin converting enzyme. ApoE4 and high levels of homocysteine has been reported as a risk factors for cerebral infarction. Apoptotic mechanisms have recently been discovered in rats models of ischemia. Caspases inhibitors have shown a reduction of 40% in the cerebral infarction area.

The purpose of this work is to analyze the genetic factors that constitute an influence in stroke.