ENOS Gene Variants and Their Genetic Susceptibility Associated with Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

Objective: Gene variations in the gene encoding endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) may impact the initiation of coronary heart disease (CHD). Insufficient production of nitric oxide (NO) is the most obvious cause of endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms in the eNOS genes G894T and T786C that influence the development of CHD.Material and Methods: A total of 91 angiographically proven CHD subjects at the Department of Cardiology and Medicine and 91 controls at master health check, in the age group of 30-45 years were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. After overnight fasting blood samples were collected for evaluation of lipid profile by using Auto analyzer AU 480 and NO by Griess reaction, using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay. Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymerization were used to amplify the eNOS gene, T786C, and G894T, respectively.Results: A significant decrease in the serum level of NO was observed in CHD subjects compared to controls. In eNOS T786C polymorphism, the distribution of TC genotype (p-value=0.017) odds ratio (OR)=2.1 and minor C allele frequency (p-value=0.001). Additionally, for eNOS G894T polymorphism, the distribution of GT genotype (p-value=0.014) OR=2.03 and minor T allele frequency (p-value=0.001).Conclusion: This study concludes that polymorphisms of the eNOS genes G894T and T786C could increase the risk of CHD.