Key result
Men carrying the minor C allele of the COX-2 -765G-->C polymorphism had larger areas of complicated lesions (P=0.024) and more arteries with >50% stenosis (P=0.036) compared to the GG genotype.
Why the study?
Cyclooxygenase-2 gene promoter polymorphism may influence the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, but its association with coronary artery disease was unclear.
Does the minor C allele of the COX-2 -765G-->C polymorphism associate with increased severity of coronary atherosclerosis in middle-aged men?
Observational (n=300)
Does the minor C allele of the COX-2 -765G-->C polymorphism associate with increased severity of coronary atherosclerosis in middle-aged men?
p-value: p=0.024
The minor C allele of the COX-2 -765G-->C polymorphism is associated with increased severity of coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a role for COX-2 in plaque growth.
Cyclooxygenase (COX) catalyzes formation of prostaglandins that contribute to the inflammation in atherosclerosis. Our objective was to study whether the functional C variant of the -765G-->C polymorphism in the human COX-2 gene associates with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis measured at the coronary artery level. The Helsinki sudden death study autopsy material (n = 300) comprised of Finnish men who died suddenly. The area of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries was quantitated, and coronary narrowing was measured. The occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) was assessed. Genotyping was by restriction endonuclease analysis. Men carrying the minor C allele had larger areas of complicated lesions (P = .024) and a higher number of coronary arteries that had over 50% stenosis (P = .036) compared to men representing the common GG genotype. The COX-2 polymorphism was not associated with MI. Our data suggest that COX-2 may be involved in plaque growth.
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Huuskonen et al. (2008) conducted an observational in Coronary atherosclerosis (n=300). Minor C allele of the -765G-->C polymorphism in the COX-2 gene vs. Common GG genotype was evaluated on Severity of coronary atherosclerosis (area of complicated lesions and number of coronary arteries with >50% stenosis) (p=0.024). Men carrying the minor C allele of the COX-2 -765G-->C polymorphism had larger areas of complicated lesions (P=0.024) and more arteries with >50% stenosis (P=0.036) compared to the GG genotype.
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