Correlation Between ALDH2 Gene Polymorphism and Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Cardiology
• Pharmacogenomics

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
• Genetic factors, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene polymorphisms, may influence the risk and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between ALDH2 gene polymorphism and the prevalence of CAD in patients with atrial fibrillation.
• To explore the potential impact of ALDH2 genotype on lipid profiles and response to lipid-lowering therapy in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 80 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
• Patients were categorized into a CAD group (n=25) and a non-CAD group (n=55).
• Genotype frequencies of ALDH2, blood biochemical markers, and history of lipid-lowering drug use were compared between groups.

Main Results:

• The CAD group exhibited significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, alongside increased use of lipid-lowering drugs (p < 0.05).
• ALDH2 mutant genotypes (GA+AA) were significantly more frequent in the CAD group compared to the wild-type (GG) genotype (p < 0.05).
• Patients with ALDH2 mutant genotypes had a 5.849-fold increased risk of CAD compared to those with wild-type genotypes (95% CI: 1.437-23.795, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• ALDH2 gene polymorphism is identified as a significant risk factor for CAD in patients with atrial fibrillation.
• The ALDH2 mutation genotype (GA+AA) may be associated with reduced efficacy of statin therapy for lipid management.