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Hyperhomocysteinemia, endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphism, and risk of coronary artery disease

Mohsen Kerkeni1, Faouzi Addad, Maryline Chauffert

  • 1Research Unit 03/UR/08-14, Faculty of Pharmacy, Monastir, Tunisia. m.kerkeni@belgique.com

Clinical Chemistry
|November 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T gene variant is linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) presence. Hyperhomocysteinemia combined with this eNOS variant increases CAD severity risk in Tunisians.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T gene variant has been implicated in CAD susceptibility.
  • Investigating this variant's role in CAD and its interaction with homocysteine levels is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between the eNOS G894T polymorphism and the presence/severity of CAD.
  • To determine if hyperhomocysteinemia interacts with the eNOS G894T variant to influence CAD severity.
  • To conduct this investigation within a Tunisian population.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction with Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to genotype the eNOS G894T variant.
  • Genotypes were analyzed in 100 CAD patients and 120 healthy controls.
  • Plasma homocysteine levels were measured using chemiluminescence assays, and CAD severity was assessed by the number of affected vessels.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in eNOS G894T genotype frequencies were observed between CAD patients and controls (P=0.035).
  • No association was found between eNOS G894T genotype and the number of stenosed vessels (P=0.149).
  • In CAD patients, the presence of 894 GT or TT genotypes alongside hyperhomocysteinemia elevated the risk of severe CAD.

Conclusions:

  • The eNOS G894T polymorphism is associated with the presence of CAD.
  • This polymorphism, when combined with hyperhomocysteinemia, significantly increases the risk of CAD severity.
  • Findings are specific to the studied Tunisian population.
Abstract

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