Gender- and age-dependent relationships between the E-selectin S128R polymorphism and coronary artery calcification

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease research
• Genetics and molecular biology
• Immunology and inflammation

Background:

• Atherosclerosis development involves leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium via cell adhesion molecules.
• A specific polymorphism in the endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (E-selectin) gene (S128R) is associated with severe atherosclerotic disease.
• This polymorphism affects E-selectin's ligand binding and increases cellular adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the E-selectin S128R polymorphism and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in asymptomatic adults.
• To determine if this genetic variation is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, particularly in younger individuals.

Main Methods:

• The study examined 294 women (40-88 years) and 314 men (30-80 years) from the Epidemiology of Coronary Artery Calcification Study.
• Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was detected using noninvasive electron beam computed tomography.
• Statistical analyses adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

• No association was found between the E-selectin polymorphism and CAC in men of any age or women over 50.
• In women aged 50 or younger, the E-selectin S128R polymorphism was significantly associated with the presence of CAC.
• This association remained significant after adjusting for age, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking status.

Conclusions:

• The E-selectin 128R allele may represent a risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis in younger, asymptomatic women.
• This finding is notable as younger women often have fewer traditional risk factors and different adhesion molecule expression patterns.
• Further research is warranted to understand the role of E-selectin genetics in early atherosclerosis development in specific demographics.