SDF1-3′A polymorphism is associated with size but not occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a Chinese population

Objective: Previous studies have suggested that stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1) plays a pivotal role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. The SDF1-3'A polymorphism (G to A, rs1801157), located in the 3' untranslated region, could influence the expression of SDF1. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship of SDF1-3'A polymorphism with the risk of AAA occurrence and size. Methods: A total of 205 AAA patients and 216 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. The SDF1-3'A polymorphism was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction enzyme analysis. Results: The frequency of A allele was similar between groups. The genotype distribution also displayed no statistically significant differences under both the dominant model (odds ratio [OR], 0.922; P = .678) and the recessive model (OR, 1.617; P = .300). The multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the association between the polymorphism and AAA remained insignificant when applied to the dominant model. However, AAA patients with GG genotype were more likely to develop aneurysms larger than 50 mm (OR, 0.497; P = .014). AAA patients with SDF1-3'A allele have reduced plasma SDF1 alpha levels. In addition, plasma SDF1 alpha levels were positively correlated with AAA size. Conclusions: Our study suggests that SDF1-3'A polymorphism is associated with size but not occurrence of AAA, providing further evidence that SDF1 is implicated in AAA progression. Clinical Relevance: Our findings show for the first time that stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1) 3'A polymorphism is associated with size but not occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It provides new evidence that SDF1 plays an important role in AAA progression. Genetic analysis of SDF1-3'A polymorphism may help AAA patients with GG genotype receive more frequent screening and an aggressive approach to avoid rupture.