Tissue plasminogen activator -7351C/T enhancer polymorphism is a risk factor for lacunar stroke

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Occlusive thrombosis is a key factor in ischemic stroke.
• Endogenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) mediates fibrinolysis and is linked to the TPA -7351C/T polymorphism.
• This polymorphism may influence TPA release and lacunar stroke pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the TPA -7351C/T polymorphism and the risk of lacunar and nonlacunar ischemic stroke.
• To determine if the TPA -7351C/T polymorphism is an independent risk factor for stroke subtypes.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 182 ischemic stroke cases and 301 controls.
• Genotyping for the TPA -7351C/T polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• Logistic regression analysis adjusted for known cerebrovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

• The TT genotype prevalence was 9% in controls and 13% in stroke patients.
• The TT genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (OR: 1.9).
• A significant association was found between the TT genotype and lacunar stroke (OR: 2.7), but not nonlacunar stroke.

Conclusions:

• The TPA -7351C/T polymorphism, particularly the TT genotype, is an independent risk factor for lacunar stroke.
• Impaired fibrinolysis is suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of lacunar stroke.
• Further research into genetic factors influencing fibrinolysis in stroke is warranted.