Association of MEF2A gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death worldwide. MEF2A directly regulates target genes in the process of muscle development. This gene product is a transcription factor. MEF2A protein in homodimer or heterodimer forms binds to A/T-rich cis elements with conserved sequence in promoter, regulator, and enhancer of many genes, which are determining in evolution and development of skeletal, heart, and smooth muscle cells, especially endothelial cells. In fact, this protein maximizes the activity of these elements.

The two MEF2A gene polymorphisms that were proposed to have an association with CAD are rs34851361 (A/G) and rs325400 (T/G) SNPs. This study aimed to examine these associations.

This study was a molecular case-control study. Blood samples were collected from 300 patients with CAD and 150 healthy people from Golestan and Imam Khomeini Hospitals, Ahvaz, Iran. In both groups, angiography had confirmed the presence or lack of stenosis. Association of rs34851361 and rs325400 with CAD was evaluated by PCR and then restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed.

Chi square test showed no association between rs34851361 SNP and CAD (χ(2) = 3.59, df = 2, and P = 0.16); however, there was an association between rs325400 SNP and CAD (χ(2) = 24.77, df = 2, and P < 0.001). A/T haplotype showed association with CAD and G/G and G/T showed protective effect against CAD.

The results of this study show that rs325400 polymorphism is in association with CAD; meanwhile, none of the rs34851361 genotypes was associated with CAD.