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Functional polymorphisms in the LTF gene and risk of coronary artery stenosis

Vibeke Videm1, Hildegunn Dahl, Lise Eid Wålberg

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway. vibeke.videm@ntnu.no

Human Immunology
|March 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the lactoferrin (LTF) gene, specifically the G allele of rs1126478, are linked to higher plasma lactoferrin levels and an increased risk of coronary artery stenosis in Europeans.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Plasma lactoferrin concentrations are elevated in individuals with coronary artery stenosis.
  • Lactoferrin (LTF) plays roles in lipid metabolism and possesses antibacterial properties.
  • LTF gene polymorphisms may influence susceptibility to coronary artery disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between LTF gene polymorphisms and coronary artery stenosis.
  • To determine if LTF gene variants correlate with plasma lactoferrin concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of LTF exons 2 and 4 (rs10662431, rs1126478) in 305 healthy donors and 236 patients undergoing coronary angiography.
  • Plasma lactoferrin levels measured by enzyme immunoassay.
  • Statistical analysis including logistic regression to assess associations with coronary artery stenosis.

Main Results:

  • The deletion variant of rs10662431 and the G allele of rs1126478 were associated with higher plasma lactoferrin concentrations in healthy donors.
  • The G allele of rs1126478 was significantly more frequent in patients with coronary artery stenosis (p=0.018).
  • Logistic regression confirmed rs1126478 G allele as an independent risk factor for stenosis (OR 2.485, p=0.026), though this association weakened when plasma lactoferrin was included.

Conclusions:

  • The LTF rs1126478 polymorphism, specifically the G allele, appears to be a risk factor for coronary artery stenosis in a European population.
  • This genetic variant may contribute to atherosclerosis risk, potentially through effects on lactoferrin's antibacterial or lipid-metabolizing functions.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between LTF genotypes, lactoferrin levels, and cardiovascular disease risk.

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