Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Evaluation of the interactions of common genetic mutations in stroke
1Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Pándy Kálmán County Hospital, Gyula, Hungary.
Insights
Genetic factors significantly influence stroke risk. While single gene defects can cause stroke, combinations of common genetic variants like Factor V Leiden and MTHFR mutations can synergistically increase risk, impacting clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Over 110 heritable disorders, 175 genetic loci, and 2050+ mutations are linked to stroke.
- While single gene defects can cause stroke, common genetic factors often interact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the evaluation of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in stroke.
- To interpret findings related to synergistic genetic effects on stroke risk.
- To highlight the role of common genetic variants in stroke etiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of known genetic factors predisposing to stroke.
- Analysis of interactions between common genetic variants (e.g., Factor V Leiden, MTHFR, ApoE, ACE).
- Discussion on evaluating the synergistic effects of these genetic factors.
Main Results:
- Single gene defects can cause stroke (mendelian disorders).
- Combinations of common genetic variants (Factor V Leiden, MTHFR 677TT, ApoE 4, ACE D/D) can exert synergistic effects.
- These interactions can significantly impact clinical risk factors for stroke.
Conclusions:
- Understanding genetic interactions is crucial for stroke risk assessment.
- Synergistic effects of common genetic variants play a significant role in stroke etiology.
- Evaluation and interpretation of these complex genetic interactions are essential for clinical practice.
Abstract:
Stroke is a common entity. It is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the developed world. More than 110 heritable disorders, more than 175 genetic loci, and more than 2050 unique mutations predisposing to stroke are known. Although ischemic stroke can result from merely one gene defect (and a number of clearly defined mendelian hereditary disorders do lead to stroke), the interaction of unfavorable genetic factors such as the Leiden V, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677TT, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) 4, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) D/D genotypes, which alone are not major risk factors, can in specific patterns exert a synergistic effect on certain clinical risk factors. This chapter discusses how to evaluate these interactions and the interpretation of findings.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology