G771C Polymorphism in the MLXIPL Gene Is Associated with a Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in the Chinese: A Case-Control Study

Objectives: Previously, a genome-wide scan has identified a nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (rs3812316, G771C, Gln241His) in the MLXIPL gene that is associated with the level of plasma triglycerides. However, no data are available on the association of this polymorphism with coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Chinese population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between a gene polymorphism related to triglyceride metabolism and CAD. Methods: The genotype of the polymorphism in the MLXIPL gene was determined in 352 CAD patients and 152 CAD-free subjects. All of the participants were selected to study the MLXIPL gene rs3812316 polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: In Chinese participants, we observed that there was a significant difference in genotype between the cases and controls (p = 0.002). After allowance for potential confounders, unconditional logistic analysis revealed that the SNP was significantly related to a risk in CAD patients (adjusted OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.30-5.08; p = 0.004). We also found that there was a significant association between the single nucleotide polymorphism and plasma triglyceride levels (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.061-1.542; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The gene sequence variation in the MLXIPL gene may serve as a novel genetic marker for the risk of significant CAD. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel