A functional polymorphism in the lymphotoxin-alpha gene is associated with carotid artery wall thickness: the Diabetes Heart Study

Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2006 Aug;13(4):655-7. doi: 10.1097/01.hjr.0000214610.83866.2e.

Abstract

Background: The lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We tested for an association between a functional polymorphism, LTA 252A/G, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness in 1088 siblings from 435 Diabetes Heart Study families.

Methods: Intima-media thickness was measured by high-resolution B-mode carotid ultrasonography. A MassARRAY system (Sequenom Inc., San Diego, California, USA) was used for genotyping.

Results: The LTA 252G allele was positively associated with increased intima-media thickness (the odds ratio for the G allele carriers being in the top tertile of the intima-media thickness distribution was 1.41, P=0.04).

Conclusions: The LTA 252A/G polymorphism is moderately associated with sub-clinical atherosclerosis.

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease / genetics*
  • DNA / genetics*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnostic imaging
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphotoxin-alpha / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Lymphotoxin-alpha
  • DNA