Risk factors of stroke and -717A>G (rs2794521) CRP gene polymorphism among stroke patients in West Pomerania province of Poland

Abstract

Background and purpose: Some of the risk factors of ischaemic stroke influence the development of atherosclerosis, which is a significant cause of vascular incidents. An inflammatory component plays a role in pathogenesis of both atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation, the most important risk factor of embolic strokes. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in blood reflects the inflammatory process. Concentration of this protein depends on the CRP gene polymorphism. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between selected risk factors of stroke and variant of -717A>G (rs2794521) CRP gene polymorphism in population of West Pomerania Province of Poland.

Materials and methods: There were 125 consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke analysed, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In all patients, -717A>G CRP gene polymorphism was genotyped and analysed in relation to selected stroke risk factors.

Results: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes was lower in patients with AA genotype of -717A>G CRP gene polymorphism than in patients with other alleles (p=0.017). Subjects with GG genotype had significantly higher concentration of CRP comparing to AG genotype (p=0.023). No correlation was found between -717A>G CRP gene polymorphism and the lipid profile and other selected risk factors of stroke.

Conclusions: In patients with ischaemic stroke in West Pomerania Province, the GG genotype of -717A>G CRP gene polymorphism is associated with significantly higher CRP concentration in relation to AG genotype. Patients with AA genotype may be characterised by lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: C-reactive protein; Polymorphism; Risk factors; Stroke.