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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

A Method to Study the C924T Polymorphism of the Thromboxane A2 Receptor Gene
Published on: April 1, 2019
The platelet polymorphism PlA2 is a genetic risk factor for myocardial infarction
E L Grove1, T F Ørntoft, J F Lassen
1Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby Sygehus, Denmark.
Objectives:
Platelet glycoprotein (GP) receptor IIb/IIIa plays a key role in the development of myocardial infarction (MI), and Pl(A2) is a polymorphism in the gene encoding this receptor. The prevalence of Pl(A2) shows pronounced geographical variation and has to our knowledge not been presented for a Scandinavian population before. Platelets from Pl(A2)-positive individuals show increased aggregability compared with platelets from Pl(A2)-negative individuals, and Pl(A2) genotypes might be associated with MI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between the Pl(A2) polymorphism and MI in a large Scandinavian population.
Design:
Case-control study. We included patients with angiographically verified CAD with and without previous MI and a group of healthy individuals matched for age, race, and sex.
Results:
We studied the frequency of Pl(A2) in 1191 healthy individuals and 1019 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Amongst these patients, 529 subjects had suffered an MI previously. Pl(A2) was present in 28% of healthy individuals, 28% of patients with CAD but no MI, and in 35% of patients with CAD and MI. The difference between healthy individuals and MI patients was significant (P = 0.002). Furthermore, a graded relationship between the number of Pl(A2) alleles and the risk of MI was seen (P = 0.011). Associations between Pl(A2) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors as well as mean platelet volume were investigated. We found a significant interaction between Pl(A2) and serum cholesterol.
Conclusion:
In our Scandinavian study population the common platelet polymorphism Pl(A2) is significantly associated with an increased risk of MI, but not of CAD. Clinically, typing for Pl(A2) might have implications for antiplatelet therapy of patients with MI.
Insights
The Pl(A2) platelet polymorphism is linked to a higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in Scandinavian populations. This finding may influence antiplatelet therapy decisions for MI patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Platelet Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Platelet glycoprotein (GP) receptor IIb/IIIa is crucial in myocardial infarction (MI) development.
- The Pl(A2) polymorphism in the GP receptor IIb/IIIa gene exhibits geographical variation.
- Previous studies suggest Pl(A2) may increase platelet aggregation and MI risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the Pl(A2) polymorphism and MI in a large Scandinavian population.
- To determine the prevalence of Pl(A2) in healthy individuals and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Included 1191 healthy individuals and 1019 patients with angiographically verified CAD (529 with prior MI).
- Matched participants for age, race, and sex.
Main Results:
- Pl(A2) prevalence was 28% in healthy individuals, 28% in CAD patients without MI, and 35% in CAD patients with MI.
- A significant association was found between Pl(A2) and MI risk (P=0.002).
- A graded relationship between Pl(A2) allele count and MI risk was observed (P=0.011), with a significant interaction with serum cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- The Pl(A2) polymorphism is significantly associated with increased MI risk in a Scandinavian population.
- No significant association was found between Pl(A2) and overall CAD risk.
- Pl(A2) genotyping may inform antiplatelet therapy strategies for MI patients.
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