Insertion/deletion polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene--risk factor for coronary artery disease in the Tuzla region population (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Angiotensin II is the major effector molecule of renin-angiotensin system; its production can be conveniently interrupted by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Typical plasma levels of ACE accompany the I/D polymorphism; however, a controversy exists as to whether the DD genotype of the ACE polymorphism affects the risk for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to what extent the ACE polymorphism is associated with CAD in different populations. We compared the I/D polymorphism in 212 CAD patients younger than 50 years with 165 healthy control individuals. They were all from the Tuzla region in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Patients with CAD had a higher prevalence of the DD genotype (36.3%) than controls (25.6%). The odds ratio for the ACE DD genotype in CAD patients was 1.7 (95% confidence interval 1.0-2.7; p < 0.05). We may conclude that the D/D genotype of the ACE gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk for CAD in the Bosnian population.     

Modification of the coronary artery disease risk associated with the presence of traditional risk factors by insertion/deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene

Cigarette smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity influence the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) functions including an increased synthesis of the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE). Thus in the present work we explore the interactions of the ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and traditional risk factors. The study cohort included 341 subjects composed of 172 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD and 169 blood donors without a history of cardiovascular diseases. The I/D polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. To determine the interactions between the ACE genotypes and traditional risk factors the epidemiologic approach was used (4 x 2 tables and the synergy measures). The frequency of the DD genotype was significantly higher in patients than in controls (33.7% versus 21.3%, odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, 95% CI; 1.13-3.15, p = 0.010), but greater differences were found in males (35.7% versus 20.5%, OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.14-4.04, p = 0.010). We found a synergy of the DD genotype with smoking (SI = 1.88, SIM = 1.22), total cholesterol > or =5 mmol/l (SI = 2.12, SIM = 1.31) and elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level (> or =3 mmol/l) (SI = 1.78, SIM = 1.14). The presence of the D allele (DD + ID subjects) also increased the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) associated with the presence of elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (SI = 1.69, SIM = 1.18, in both cases), elevated level (> or =1.7 mmol/l) of triacylglycerols (SI = 1.81, SIM = 1.18) and overweight/obesity (SI = 4.25, SIM = 2.36). In each case the estimated CAD risk was greater than that predicted by assuming the additivity of effects (the risk increased from 69% for the D allele - total cholesterol interaction to 325% for the D allele - overweight/obesity). The statistical significance was also confirmed by a multiplicative model of synergy. The DD genotype/D allele of the ACE gene increases the risk of CAD associated with the presence of traditional risk factors.     

Insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene in coronary artery disease in southern Turkey

Genetic factors are important in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion(I)/deletion(D) polymorphism is one of the genetic factor found to be related with CAD. We investigated the association between I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and the presence of CAD. Three hundred and seven patients (187 males and 120 females, aged between 35-80, mean 54.3 +/-9.8 years) who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography were included in the study. ACE I/D polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Of the 307, 176 had CAD. The most frequently observed genotype in all subjects was ID (47.9 %). However, in patients with CAD the frequency of II genotype was lower whereas DD genotype was higher compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The number of D allele carrying subjects were also higher (p < 0.05) in CAD patients. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the ACE D allele is an independent risk factor (odds ratio = 1.48, 95 % CI = 1.01-2.18, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the I/D polymorphism of ACE gene (carrying D allele) is an independent risk factor for CAD in the studied Turkish population.     

Deletion/Deletion genotype of angiotensin-I converting enzyme gene is not associated with coronary artery disease in caucasians with type 2 diabetes

In this study we analyzed the contribution of genetic variability of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) gene to the predisposition for coronary artery disease (CAD) in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes. The I/D ACE gene polymorphism was tested in 366 Caucasians with type 2 diabetes: 148 cases with CAD and 218 subjects with no history of CAD. We failed to demonstrate that the ACE DD genotype was a risk factor for CAD in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.9-4.7; p = 0.1). In conclusion, we provide evidence that the ACE deletion/deletion genotype is not a risk factor for CAD in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes.     

Association between the − 786T>C 1polymorphism in the promoter region of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and risk of coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

A variety of studies have evaluated the association between the − 786T>C polymorphism in the promoter region of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the results remain conflicting. To better understand the role of eNOS − 786T>C polymorphism in CAD risk, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Case–control, cohort or cross-sectional studies evaluating the association between eNOS − 786T>C polymorphism and CAD risk were searched in electronic databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar Search (up to January 2013). Overall and subgroup analyses were performed. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the association between eNOS − 786T>C polymorphism and CAD risk. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0 and STATA12.0.

Results

Twenty-four studies were analyzed between 6192 CAD cases and 9281 healthy controls. The combined results of overall analysis showed significant positive associations between CAD risk and eNOS − 786T>C polymorphism in dominant model (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.27–1.65), recessive model (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.20–1.56), homozygote comparison (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.31–2.04), heterozygote comparison (TC vs. TT, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.23–1.57; CC vs. TC, OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.04–1.37) and allele comparison (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.21–1.50). On subgroup analysis based on the ethnicity of population (Caucasians, Asians and others), significant differences were found in all genetic models for Caucasians, similar associations existed in Asians except heterozygote comparison (CC vs. TC). However, the associations were only found in dominant model, heterozygote comparison (TC vs. TT) and allele comparison for the populations named others.

Conclusions

Our investigations demonstrate the significant associations between eNOS − 786C>T polymorphism and CAD risk, and this polymorphism might become an early marker for the risk evaluation of CAD.     

Angiotensinogen and angiotensin-I converting enzyme gene polymorphisms and the risk of coronary artery disease in Chinese

The homozygous deletion allele (DD) of the angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) gene and the T235 homozygote of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene have been reported to be correlated with an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI). The importance of the DD genotype and T235 homozygote as genetic risk factors for CAD in Chinese remains uncertain. This study included 426 patients who underwent coronary angiography and 180 healthy subjects without clinical evidence of CAD. Coronary angiography identified 268 patients with CAD (CAD group) and 158 patients without CAD. The healthy subjects and patients without angiographic evidence of CAD constituted the control group. Three polymorphisms were studied: an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene and the T174 M and M235T polymorphisms of the AGT gene. No association was found between any of the three studied polymorphisms and the risk of CAD or MI in Chinese using univariate or multivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, the relative risks were 1.20 (95% confidence interval = 0.91–1.61, P = 0.20) for the DD genotype, 1.05 (95% CI = 0.82–1.35, P = 0.69) for the T174 homozygote, and 1.19 (95% CI = 0.91–1.55, P = 0.20) for the T235 homozygote. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the frequencies of the DD genotype and the T174 and T235 homozygotes between the control group, the CAD group, the non-MI group, and the MI group when analyzed according to sex, age, or degree of risk. Our data suggest that neither the DD genotype of the ACE I/D polymorphism nor the T174 and T235 homozygotes of the AGT gene confer significant risk for CAD or MI in Chinese. Received: 18 December 1996 / Accepted: 27 February 1997     

Joint effect of G1691A factor V point mutation and factor VII Arg/Gln(353) gene polymorphism on the risk of premature coronary artery disease

The study sought an association between the G1691A factor V point mutation and factor VII Arg/Gln(353) gene polymorphism and premature coronary artery disease (CAD), and the interactive effect on CAD risk between the G1691A factor V point mutation and factor VII Arg/Gln(353) gene polymorphism as well as between tested polymorphisms and traditional risk factors. 167 patients with CAD younger than 55 years were compared with 132 healthy subjects. The frequency of factor V point mutation was 7.8 % among Slovene patients with premature CAD, and 4.5 % among controls. No association was found between either the factor V point mutation (AG genotype) or M1M1 genotype of factor VII Arg/Gln(353) gene polymorphism and the risk of CAD in Slovenia using univariate analysis (factor V point mutation: OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.7-4.9; p = 0.25; factor VII Arg/Gln(353) gene polymorphism: OR = 1, 95 % CI = 0.6-1.7; p = 0.9). However, a joint effect on the risk of CAD was found between factor V point mutation (AG genotype) and M1M1 genotype (OR = 3.6, 95 % CI = 1-12.9; p = 0.03). Additionally, an interactive effect on CAD risk was found between AG genotype and metabolic risk factors (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.1-13.6; p = 0.03). In conclusion, we provide evidence for a joint effect on CAD risk between G1691A factor V point mutation and factor VII Arg/Gln(353) gene polymorphism as well as between factor V point mutation and metabolic risk factors.     

Association of polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene with the risk of primary open angle glaucoma in a Brazilian population

The present study aimed to investigate the association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). We conducted a case-control study that included 90 patients with POAG and 127 healthy controls whose blood samples were genotyped for the functional polymorphisms T-786C and Glu298Asp of the eNOS gene by Taqman fluorescent allelic discrimination assay. The T-786C polymorphism was significantly associated as a risk factor for POAG among women (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.11 to 4.70, p=0.024) and marginally associated to the risk of POAG in the patients ≥52 years of age at diagnosis (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 0.98 to 4.55, p=0,055). However, these results was not confirmed after adjustments for gender, age, self-declared skin color, tobacco smoking and eNOS genotypes by multivariate logistic regression model (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 0.87 to 5.01, p=0.101 and OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 0.95 to 5.12, p=0.067, respectively). The haplotype CG of T-786C and Glu298Asp showed a borderline association with risk of POAG in the overall analysis (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 0.98 to 3.14, p=0.055) and among women (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.98 to 4.16, p=0.052). Furthermore, the CG haplotype was significantly associated with the development of POAG for the age at diagnosis group ≥52 years (OR: 3.48; 95% CI: 1.54 to 7.84, p=0.002).We suggested that haplotypes of the polymorphisms T-786C and Glu298Asp of eNOS may interact with gender and age in modulating the risk of POAG.     

SOD3 R231G polymorphism associated with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. The Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study

This study examined the superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) R231G polymorphism in relation to the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in 3211 individuals; 94.4% of study participants were homozygous for SOD3 231RR and 5.5% were heterozygous for SOD3 231RG. The odds ratios of the RG and GG genotype (adjusted for age, gender and for conventional cardiovascular risk factors) were 2.02 (95% CI, 1.23–3.33, p=0.005) for the highest vs the lowest Friesinger coronary score and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.02–1.92, p=0.037) for MI, respectively. Further the SOD3 RG and GG genotype was associated with lower alpha-tocopherol levels than the wild type SOD3 RR genotype. It is concluded that the SOD3 231RG and GG genotype is associated with lower alpha-tocopherol levels and the severity of CAD and the risk of MI.     

Association of T3111C polymorphism in 3'-untranslated region of the CLOCK gene with the risk of essential arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease in the Russian population Karelia

Allele and genotype distributions of the T3111C polymorphism in 3'-untranslated region of the CLOCKgene were examined in the groups of Russian patients with essential arterial hypertension (EAH) and coronary artery disease (CAD), and in control group of Russia residents of the Republic of Karelia. The genotype frequency distributions of the polymorphism examined in the EAH and CAD patients were statistically significantly different from that in the individuals without clinical signs of these diseases. The CC genotype frequency in EAH and CAD males was higher, and in the corresponding females it was lower than in males and females from the control group. Male CC carriers were characterized by a possible increased risk of EAH: OR (95% CI) = 1.42 (0.56; 3.58). Moreover, the presence of the CC genotype in males could increase the risk of CAD: OR (95% CI) = 1.58 (0.63; 3.93).     

Interleukin-17A Gene Haplotypes Are Associated with Risk of Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Mexican Patients from the Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) Study

Aim

The role of interleukin 17A (IL-17A) in the inflammatory process has caused interest in the potential significance of IL-17A as a biomarker for coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of IL-17A gene polymorphisms as susceptibility markers for CAD in the Mexican population.

Methods

Four IL-17A gene polymorphisms (rs8193036, rs3819024, rs2275913 and rs8193037) were genotyped by 5’ exonuclease TaqMan assays in a group of 900 patients with premature CAD and 667 healthy controls (with negative calcium score by computed tomography), seeking associations with CAD and other metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors using logistic regression analyses.

Results

No single IL-17A polymorphism was associated with premature CAD, however two haplotypes (CAGG and TAGA) were significantly associated with increased risk of premature CAD (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.00–1.84, P = 0.018 and OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.16–3.76, P = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, rs3819024 was associated with increased levels of visceral abdominal fat (P = 0.002) and rs8193036 was significantly associated with risk of central obesity (P = 0.020), hypertriglyceridemia (P = 0.027), and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.027) in the premature CAD group, under dominant models adjusted by age, gender, BMI, smoking history, alcohol consumption, and treatment.

Conclusion

The results suggest that IL-17A haplotypes are involved in the risk of developing premature CAD and some IL-17A polymorphisms are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in Mexican individuals with premature CAD.     

Endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) gene G894T and VNTR polymorphisms are closely associated with the risk of ischemic stroke development for Asians: meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

Although the relationships between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms (including G894T, VNTR and T786C) and risk of ischemic stroke (IS) have been extensively studied, controversial results have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between them by using a meta-analysis. Literatures were retrieved through the following databases: Medline, Embase and Wangfang (updated to January 1st, 2013). Fixed- or random-effects model was used to calculate pooled odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval (OR and 95 % CI). A total of 31 case–control studies including 8,547 patients and 9,117 controls were included in this meta-analysis eventually. For eNOS G894T polymorphism, the results indicated that TT genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of IS incidence compared to G allele (OR and 95 % CI 1.25 (1.09–1.42) for TT vs. GT+GG, P < 0.001). When subgroup analysis was conducted according to ethnicities, T allele was significantly associated with risk of IS for Asians rather than for Caucasians. For eNOS VNTR polymorphism, 4aa genotype was significantly associated with risk of IS incidence compared to 4bb genotype (OR (95 % CI) 2.22 (1.66–2.97) for aa vs. bb, P < 0.001). Similarly, when subgroup analyses were conducted, 4aa was closely associated with increased risk of IS for Asians rather than for Caucasians. For eNOS T786C polymorphism, it was not associated with risk of IS incidence. In conclusion, this study indicated that eNOS 894T and VNTR 4a allele was significantly associated with risk of IS incidence for Asians. However, eNOS T786C polymorphism was not a likely risk factor for IS incidence.     

The T-786C,G894T,and intron 4 VNTR (4a/b) polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene in prostate cancer cases

In previously conducted some studies it has been revealed that nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) system play a significant role in carcinogenesis. Nitric oxide (NO) is regulated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme which is one of the isoenzymes of NO synthase (NOS). In this study we have tried to come to a conclusion about whether eNOS gene T-786C, G894T and intron 4 VNTR (4a/b) polymorphisms might be considered as a risk factor causing prostate cancer (PCa) or not. A total of 200 subjects were included in this research. 84 patients with PCa (mean age 70.0 ± 6.4) and 116 healthy controls (mean age 69.9 ± 7.5) were recruited in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (QIAGEN GmbH, Maryland, USA), according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The T-786C, G894T and intron 4 VNTR (4a/b) polymorphisms were amplified using polymerase chain reation (PCR), detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). For T-786C polymorphism CC genotype [odds ratio (OR): 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15–0.78, P = 0.009)] and allele frequency (OR: 0.631, CI: 0.421–0.946, P = 0.026) is significant for control. In patients with PCa eNOS G894T polymorphism, both GT (OR: 0.069, CI: 0.027–0.174; P = 0.0001) and TT (OR: 0.040, CI: 0.013–0.123; P = 0.0001) genotype distribution, and also T allele frequency (OR: 0.237, CI: 0.155–0.362, P = 0.0001) were considered significant statistically. While genotype distribution for the other polymorphism eNOS, intron 4 VNTR (4a/b), is insignificant statistically, “a” allele frequency was found out to be significant (OR: 2.223, CI: 1.311–3.769, P = 0.003). In this study we indicated that genotype and allele frequencies of eNOS T-786C and G894T polymorphisms are statistically significant in patients with PCa. eNOS T-786C and G894T polymorphisms may be associated with PCa susceptibility in the Turkish population. In contrast, intron 4 VNTR (4a/b) polymorphism may not be related to PCa susceptibility in these patients.     

Correlation and Identification of Variable number of Tandem repeats of eNOS Gene in Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from l-arginine by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) encoded by the NOS3 gene on chromosome7. Since reduced NO synthesis has been implicated in the development of coronary atherosclerosis; polymorphisms of NOS gene might be associated with increased susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD). We therefore undertook this study to determine the association between the occurrence of CAD and eNOS4 b/a polymorphism in South Indian patients. We investigated the polymorphisms in the 27 base-pair tandem repeats in intron4 of the eNOS gene in 100 unrelated CAD patients with positive coronary angiograms and 100 age and sex matched control subjects without any history of symptomatic CAD. The eNOS gene intron4 b/a VNTR polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The plasma lipids levels and other risk factors were also determined. The genotype frequencies for eNOS4b/b, eNOS4a/b and eNOS4a/a were 63, 26 and 11 per cent in CAD subjects, and 72, 20 and 8 per cent in control subjects, respectively. The genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between the two groups. The frequency of the a allele was 0.24 per cent in CAD subjects and 0.18 per cent in control subjects and no significant association was found between patients and control group (P = 0.57, Odds ratio = 3.62). Plasma lipids, glucose and creatinine levels were significantly increased in CAD group. The genotypic frequencies and the allele frequency did not differ significantly between the CAD patients and controls indicating that this polymorphism was not an independent risk factor for the development of CAD in South Indian patients.     

Haplotypes of NOS3 Gene Polymorphisms in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by systolic dysfunction, followed by heart failure necessitating cardiac transplantation. The genetic basis is well established by the identification of mutations in sarcomere and cytoskeleton gene/s. Modifier genes and environmental factors are also considered to play a significant role in the variable expression of the disease, hence various mechanisms are implicated and one such mechanism is oxidative stress. Nitric Oxide (NO), a primary physiological transmitter derived from endothelium seems to play a composite role with diverse anti-atherogenic effects as vasodilator. Three functional polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene viz., T-786C of the 5′ flanking region, 27bp VNTR in intron4 and G894T of exon 7 were genotyped to identify their role in DCM. A total of 115 DCM samples and 454 controls were included. Genotyping was carried out by PCR -RFLP method. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were computed in both control & patient groups and appropriate statistical tests were employed. A significant association of TC genotype (T-786C) with an odds ratio of 1.74, (95% CI 1.14 - 2.67, p = 0.01) was observed in DCM. Likewise the GT genotypic frequency of G894T polymorphism was found to be statistically significant (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.34–3.27, p = 0.0011), with the recessive allele T being significantly associated with DCM (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.18 - 2.30, p = 0.003). The haplotype carrying the recessive alleles of G894T and T-786C, C4bT was found to exhibit 7 folds increased risk for DCM compared to the controls. Hence C4bT haplotype could be the risk haplotype for DCM. Our findings suggest the possible implication of NOS3 gene in the disease phenotype, wherein NOS3 may be synergistically functioning in DCM associated heart failure via the excessive production of NO in cardiomyocytes resulting in decreased myocardial contractility and systolic dysfunction, a common feature of DCM phenotype.     

Association of T3111C polymorphism in 3′-untranslated region of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clock</Emphasis> gene with the risk of essential arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease in the Russian population (Residents of Karelia)

Allele and genotype distributions of the T3111C polymorphism in 3′-untranslated region of the Clock gene were examined in the groups of Russian patients with essential arterial hypertension (EAH) and coronary artery disease (CAD), and in control group of Russia residents of the Republic of Karelia. The genotype frequency distributions of the polymorphism examined in the EAH and CAD patients were statistically significantly different from that in the individuals without clinical signs of these diseases. The CC genotype frequency in EAH and CAD males was higher, and in the corresponding females it was lower than in males and females from the control group. Male CC carriers were characterized by a possible increased risk of EAH: OR (95% CI) = 1.42 (0.56; 3.58). Moreover, the presence of the CC genotype in males could increase the risk of CAD: OR (95% CI) = 1.58 (0.63; 3.93).     

Carrier-state of D allele in ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with coronary artery disease,in contrast to the C677-->T transition in the MTHFR gene

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), which plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) involved in homocysteine metabolism belong to a large group of polypeptides which may be potential risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). To assess whether polymorphisms of the genes encoding these peptides are associated with CAD in Silesian we conducted a study among 68 individuals suffering from CAD (including 52 cases after myocardial infarction), 51 subjects with positive family history of CAD and 111 controls. We analysed the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the ACE gene using PCR amplification, and the C677-->T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene using PCR-RFLP analysis. We found that D allele frequency was significantly higher in CAD patients (61%) than in controls (43%) (P = 0.001, OR = 2.06). The D allele carriers (DD + ID genotypes) were more frequent in the CAD patients (85%) compared to control group (65%) (P = 0.003, OR = 3.14), whereas the familial CAD risk group shows the highest frequency of the ID genotype (57% vs 43% in controls). In contrast, the MTHFR polymorphism does not seem to be associated with the disease. Our data indicate that in Silesian CAD patients the disease is strongly associated with carrier-state of the ACE D allele, but not with the C677-->T transition in the MTHFR gene.     

A meta-analysis of cancer risk associated with the TP53 intron 3 duplication polymorphism (rs17878362): geographic and tumor-specific effects

We have performed a meta-analysis of cancer risk associated with the rs17878362 polymorphism of the TP53 suppressor gene (PIN3, (polymorphism in intron 3), 16 bp sequence insertion/duplication in intron 3), using a compilation of a total of 25 published studies with 10 786 cases and 11 760 controls. Homozygote carriers of the duplicated allele (A2A2) had a significantly increased cancer risk compared with A1A1 carriers (aggregated odds ratio (OR)=1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.22–1.74). However, there was no significant effect for the A1A2 heterozygotes (A1A2 versus A1A1 aggregated OR=1.08, 95% CI=0.99–1.18). No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was detected in the data set analysed. When comparing populations groups, increased cancer risk was associated with A2A2 carriage in Indian, Mediterranean and Northern Europe populations but not in the Caucasian population of the United States. Analysis by cancer site showed an increased risk for A2A2 carriers for breast and colorectal, but not for lung cancers. These results support that the A2A2 genotype of rs17878362 is associated with increased cancer risk, with population and tumour-specific effects.     

A meta-analysis of three polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3) and their effect on the risk of diabetic nephropathy

A number of association studies have investigated the role of the nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, results have been inconclusive, largely because the studies have focused on a variety of different polymorphisms and generate inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis of 28 association studies focusing on three polymorphisms in the NOS3 gene (G894T (Glu289Asp), 4b/a, and T-786C) and the risk of DN published before July 2009, covering a total of 10,364 subjects. Although significant heterogeneity was initially found in the analysis of G894T, it did not remain when analysis was done by ethnic subgroups. 894T was negatively associated with DN in Caucasian populations of European origin (OR = 0.896, 0.817–0.983, 95% CI), but was positively associated with DN in East Asian (OR = 2.02, 1.20–3.42, 95% CI) and other populations. Association of the 4b/a variant was observed when studies involving microalbuminuria were excluded (OR = 1.19, 1.02–1.39, 95% CI). The T-786C variant showed an overall weak association (OR = 1.16, 1.01–1.34, 95% CI) with little heterogeneity. In summary, our meta-analysis of the effect of NOS3 gene polymorphisms on the risk of DN supports the involvement of the NOS3 gene in the pathogenesis of DN.