The relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/4b gene polymorphism and premature coronary artery disease

Abstract

Background Nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in the regulation of endothelial functions and reduced NO synthesis has been implicated in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) intron 4a/b polymorphism has been shown to be related to plasma nitric oxide concentrations and coronary artery disease in various population studies. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between eNOS 4a/b polymorphism and premature CAD.Material and methods A total of 70 patients under age 35 who presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were included in this study. The control group included 50 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal coronary arteries on angiography. The eNOS 4a/b polymorphism was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequencies of eNOS 4a/b genotypes and alleles were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was used for estimation of the independent predictors of premature CAD.Results Frequency of eNOS4a/b gene, aa and ab genotypes were signifi cantly higher in STEMI patients when compared to control group. Presence of allele ‘a’ of the eNOS gene was an independent predictor of STEMI in a young population (OR: 2.78 95% CI: 1.02-7.56 P = 0.044). A signifi cant correlation of eNOS gene polymorphism with other clinical properties of subjects was not established.Conclusion The eNOS4a/b gene polymorphism may be associated with early development of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction possibly secondary to deterioration of the endothelial function.