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HLA-DR2 antigen linkage in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Japan
C Kishimoto1, H Takada, Y Hiraoka
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
Insights
Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be linked to specific genes. Research found a higher frequency of HLA-DR 2 in patients, suggesting genetic factors influence this heart condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunogenetics
Background:
- Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHC) is a common cardiac disorder in Japan.
- It is characterized by distinct electrocardiogram (ECG) findings (giant negative T waves) and ventriculogram abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- To explore the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of AHC.
Main Methods:
- Human leukocyte antigen (HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR) typing was performed on 20 unrelated patients with AHC.
- Patient HLA antigen frequencies were compared to those of 100 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in the frequencies of HLA-A, -B, and -C antigens between AHC patients and controls.
- HLA-DR 2 was found to be significantly more frequent in AHC patients (65.0%) compared to controls (33.0%) (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be associated with genes located in the HLA-DR region.
- Genetic factors, particularly those linked to HLA, likely play a role in the development of AHC.
Abstract:
Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a very common disorder in Japan, is characterized by giant negative T waves on the electrocardiogram and abnormal apical hypertrophy on the ventriculogram. This histocompatibility complexes (HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR) of 20 unrelated patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (18 male, 2 female) were examined. There was no significant difference in the frequency of HLA-A, -B, -C antigens between patients and controls (n = 100). However, HLA-DR 2 was more frequent in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (65.0%) than controls (33.0%) (p < 0.01). We conclude that apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy might be associated with genes in the HLA-DR region and that genetic factors linked to HLA play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.