Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and remains a major health problem, providing the rationale for identification of molecular markers for detection of individuals at high risk of developing CAD. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CAD. We have therefore explored the association of TNF‐α 308 (G/A) gene polymorphism in 903 individuals with/without CAD.
Methods
TNF‐α 308 gene polymorphism was analyzed in 903 subjects of whom 222 were healthy controls. Among the 681 patients who were investigated angiographically, 468 had ≧50% stenosis and 213 patients had <50% stenosis. Biochemical profiles (eg, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and CRP) were evaluated. Associations between TNF‐α genotypes with biochemical and anthropometric characteristics were determined.
Results
The frequencies of TNF‐α‐AA or AG genotypes were significantly lower in patients classified as CAD patients with ≥ or <50% obstruction in at least one coronary artery, compared to the control group. We observed that CAD patients with ≥50% stenosis and with AA genotype were associated with higher risk of CAD with OR of 3.56 (95%CI: 1.02‐12.41; P=.046) using multivariate analysis. Moreover, we found that TNF‐α‐308‐AA genotype was associated with blood pressure and CRP level in CAD patients, compared to the wild type‐genotype.
Conclusion
Our data showed an association of TNF‐α‐308G/A polymorphism with CAD patients with ≥50% obstruction, supporting the need for further investigations on the role of TNF‐α‐308G/A polymorphism with hypertension.