Researchers link gene variation to coronary heart disease

Caucasians who carry this gene variation are approximately 1.5 times more likely to have a coronary heart disease (CHD) event, such as a heart attack, than those who do not have the gene variation. According to the researchers, about 15% of all Caucasians have this particular genetic variation.

The researchers also tested African Americans but did not find a link between the gene variation and an increased risk of CHD in this population.

This research showed that Caucasians with the gene variation had an accelerated break down of beneficial fatty acids called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids or EETs, which are known to play a protective role in the cardiovascular system. These fatty acids help to lower blood pressure, prevent blood clotting and fight inflammation.

“Improved knowledge about the role this gene plays in the onset of cardiovascular disease makes it possible identify people who may be at greater risk, and also to identify individuals who may be more responsive to new drugs that target the enzymes of this metabolic pathway,” said Dr Darryl Zeldin, a senior investigator at NIEHS, who is also an author on the study. “We’ve been studying this pathway in cells and mice for more than a decade, but this study provides the first direct evidence about its importance to coronary heart disease events in humans.”