POLYMORPHISMS OF ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE GENE AS PREDICTORS OF WOLFF-PARKINSON-WHITE SYNDROME

Abstract

Background. The discovery of new genetic predictors of cardiovascular diseases can be used in predicting and diagnosing latent forms of the disease. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) occurs in all age groups and detected in 1-30 people per 10000, it manifests mainly in young age (on average 20 years), and the risk of sudden cardiac death is higher than in general population. Aim. To study the relationship of WPW syndrome with the polymorphism of endothelial nitric synthase gene (NOS3), and to identify genetic predictors of this syndrome. Material and methods . The study included 51 people with ECG proven WPW syndrome and 153 people with no cardiovascular disease. The patients were divided into subgroups according to sex: 21 women, 30 men. All patients underwent a standard cardiac examination (anamnesis, electrocardiography, echocardiography, bicycle ergometry, transesophageal electrical stimulation of the atria, Holter monitoring) and blood was taken for molecular genetic testing of DNA. Results. The results showed a statistically significant prevalence of rare genotype 4b\4b NOS3 gene in the control group of women (16.3%; р<0.05) compared with women from the main group, who did not have this genotype, while there was significant prevalence of genotype 4a\4a in the main group of women (81.0%; р<0.05) compared with women from the control group. In men this prevalence was not found. Conclusion. The presence of genotype 4b\4b NOS3 gene reduces the likelihood of WPW syndrome and its symptoms in females. In men, this prevalence is not found, presumably, in connection with some mechanisms of hormonal regulation. The results can be used in the genetic prediction of the course of the disease.