Association of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms with Coronary Artery Disease in North Indian Punjabi Population

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) a potent vasodilator synthesized by endothelial cells has anti-atherosclerotic properties and maintains vascular tone. It has been documented that its reduced bioavailability in vascular endothelium plays an important role in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of - 786 T > C and 894 G > T polymorphisms of eNOS with CAD. This study included 211 CAD patients and 260 controls of North Indian Punjabi population. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the TC and CC genotypes of - 786 T > C were significantly associated with the higher risk of CAD (OR: 2.00, p = 0.001: OR: 4.63, p = 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the GT and TT genotypes of 894 G > T were found to be significantly associated with the higher risk of CAD (OR: 1.96, p = 0.001; OR: 4.54, p = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, the recessive model in - 786 T > C (OR: 3.58, p = 0.002) and 894 G > T (OR: 3.62, p = 0.009) polymorphisms provided 3.6-fold increased risk for CAD. Furthermore, the CG, TT, and CT haplotypes were also associated with the increased risk of CAD (OR: 2.1, p = 0.001; OR: 2, p = 0.002; OR: 3.1, p = 0.001, respectively). In addition, the CC genotype of - 786 T > C and GT genotype of 894 G > T were significantly associated with higher levels of triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDL-C). The present study reported the association of - 786 T > C and 894 G > T polymorphisms of eNOS with CAD and abnormal lipid levels in North Indian Punjabi population.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease (CAD); Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS); North India; Polymorphisms.