Role of the CDKN1A/p21, CDKN1C/p57, and CDKN2A/p16 Genes in the Risk of Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Infarction

Atherosclerotic is characterised by excessive proliferation of neointimal leukocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In mice, the manipulation of cell cycle inhibitors such as CDKN1B (p27) and CDKN1A (p21) modifies the risk of developing atherosclerosis. In humans, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, and CDKN1C (p57) are differentially expressed in normal versus atherosclerotic vessels. A DNA-polymorphism within the CDKN1B promoter has been associated with myocardial infarction (MI). In the present study, we analysed the effect of CDKN1A, CDKN1C, and CDKN2A (p16) polymorphisms on MI-risk. A total of 316 patients (all male,