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Published on: May 31, 2016
GSTM1 polymorphism in patients with clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis
D A Rodrigues1,2,3, J V M Martins1,2,3, K S F E Silva4,5
1Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil.
Insights
The GSTM1 present genotype is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis, particularly in individuals who smoke. This genetic factor may influence the development of this common cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis, characterized by arterial plaque buildup, is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
- Numerous modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors contribute to atherosclerosis development.
- Genetic polymorphisms, such as those in Glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes, are investigated for their role in disease onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphisms and atherosclerosis.
- To determine if GSTM1 genotype influences atherosclerosis risk in relation to smoking habits.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study comparing individuals with atherosclerosis to a healthy control group.
- Genotyping analysis to identify GSTM1 present and null genotypes.
- Statistical analysis to assess genotype frequencies and correlations with risk factors like smoking.
Main Results:
- The GSTM1 present genotype was observed 1.2 times more frequently in individuals with atherosclerosis compared to controls.
- A significant association was found between the GSTM1 present genotype and smoking, with higher prevalence in smokers with atherosclerosis.
- The GSTM1 present genotype was also more frequent in former smokers with atherosclerosis, particularly those with longer smoking histories.
Conclusions:
- GSTM1 gene polymorphisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Smoking appears to be a significant interacting factor with the GSTM1 present genotype in increasing atherosclerosis risk.
- Further research into genetic predispositions and environmental factors like smoking is crucial for understanding atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is characterized by lesions, called atheroma or atheromatous plaques, in the inner layer of blood vessels, which block the vascular lumen and weaken the underlying tunica media. Several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis exist. The modifiable risk factors include hypertension, smoking, obesity, high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels, sedentary lifestyle, and stress; the non-modifiable factors include diabetes mellitus, family history of hypertension and heart disease, thrombophilia, sex, age, and genetic factors. The association of polymorphisms in GST with coronary artery disease has been studied since the polymorphisms can affect enzyme activity and contribute to the onset of atherosclerosis. We analyzed polymorphisms in GSTM1 in individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis as well as in healthy individuals (control group). The frequency of the GSTM1 present genotype in the atherosclerosis group was 1.2 times higher than that observed in the control group. We found no sex- or alcohol-consumption-dependent differences between the occurrences of the present and null genotypes. However, the GSTM1 present genotype occurred in 52.6% individuals with atherosclerosis who reported smoking 20 or more cigarettes per day and in 60% individuals who smoked 10 to 20 cigarettes per day (P = 0.0035). In addition, the GSTM1 present genotype was more frequent in individuals who reported being former smokers - 45.5% in individuals with atherosclerosis who smoked for more than 20 years and 50% each for individuals in the control group who smoked for less than 10 years or for 10 to 20 years, respectively (P = 0.0240).
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