Vitamin D gene polymorphisms and risk of acute cardiovascular events

Abstract

BackgroundLow vitamin D levels have been associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, although data are not consistent. Serum vitamin D levels depend on different synthesis steps which are controlled by gene cascade. This study investigated whether low serum levels of vitamin D and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the vitamin D cascade (VDR, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24 and DBP) could be risk factors for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Materials and methods71 Patients with ACS and 443 healthy controls were genotyped for polymorphisms in genes of the vitamin D cascade. Clinical findings were correlated with serum levels of the vitamin D metabolites 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)D3. Results25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 insufficiency was more common in ACS patients than in controls (p < 0.05). After adjustments for variables and propensity score the SNPs rs4646536 and rs2296241 within CYP24 and CYP27B1 are significantly associated with ACS (p < 0.05). CYP27B1 rs4646536 genotype TT is more frequently found in ACS patients compared to healthy controls, whereas genotype TC is found at higher frequency in controls (79% vs 44% and 42% vs 5%, respectively, p < 0.01). CYP24 rs2296241 SNP genotype GG occurred less frequently in ACS vs controls (7% vs 18%), while genotype AG was found more frequently in ACS (79% vs 57%, p < 0.01). ConclusionsLower vitamin D levels as well as polymorphisms within the CYP27B1 and CYP24 genes seem to promote ACS. These findings may offer potential for identification of patients at increased risk for cardiovascular incidents.