Are P-glycoprotein (ABCB1/MDR1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms related to severity of the coronary artery disease?

Abstract

Background/Aim: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Genetic and environmental factors are associated with atherosclerosis development. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms have also been directly related to atherosclerosis, for example, polymorphisms that reduce nitric oxide (NO) levels and/or activity have been linked to atherosclerotic diseases. However, the multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR-1) polymorphism is related to repeated cardiovascular events. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MDR-1 and endothelial NO synthase (e-NOS) polymorphism and severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: In total, 90 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients with at least > 70% stenosis in ≥ 2 coronary vessels were defined as severe CAD (Group 1), while those with this same level of involvement in 0.05. Conclusion: This study is the first one that shows that MDR1 and e-NOS polymorphisms are frequent in patients with ≥ 2 vessel disease and may be associated with severe CAD.