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Multiple coronary artery thrombosis in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation
Alfonso Campanile1, Fabiola B Sozzi, Gian Battista Danzi
1Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza, 35 20122 Milano, Italy.
Insights
A young man with chest pain had extensive coronary artery thrombosis due to high homocysteine levels from a MTHFR gene anomaly. Prompt angioplasty and stenting led to a positive cardiac event-free outcome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality.
- Elevated homocysteine levels are a known risk factor for cardiovascular events.
- Genetic factors, such as MTHFR gene mutations, can influence homocysteine metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of extensive coronary artery thrombosis in a young patient.
- To investigate the underlying cause of premature cardiovascular events.
- To highlight the role of MTHFR gene anomaly and hyperhomocysteinemia.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 42-year-old male with chest pain.
- Diagnostic workup including ECG, echocardiography, and coronary angiography.
- Biochemical analysis for plasma homocysteine levels.
- Genetic testing for MTHFR gene mutations.
Main Results:
- Coronary angiography revealed extensive thrombosis in the right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery.
- Biochemical analysis showed high plasma homocysteine levels.
- The patient was found to have a homozygotic MTHFR gene anomaly.
- Successful primary angioplasty with stenting was performed.
Conclusions:
- Severe hyperhomocysteinemia due to MTHFR gene anomaly can lead to premature and extensive coronary artery thrombosis.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing such cases.
- Genetic screening may be beneficial in young patients with unexplained cardiovascular events.
Abstract:
A 42-year-old man presented at our attention with chest pain. His cardiac risk factors were smoking habit and family history of coronary artery disease. At the ECG, a mild ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads was shown. A normal left ventricular function was demonstrated at the echocardiography. An emergency coronary angiography was performed, and an extensive thrombosis of the right coronary artery and midleft anterior descending coronary artery was visualized. A primary angioplasty with thrombus aspiration and direct stenting of both sites followed. Biochemical analysis revealed a high plasma homocysteine level with a homozygotic anomaly of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Currently, a nine-month followup negative for cardiac events is recorded.
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Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
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Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

