The K469E polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene is a risk factor for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays a crucial role in lymphocyte migration and activation, and is considered important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. K469E is a common polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene with potential functional significance. The aim of the present case-control study was to evaluate the association between this polymorphism and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). ICAM-1 gene polymorphism was examined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis in 75 Italian subjects affected by PAOD and 227 controls. The distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in patients affected by PAOD was 32.1% EE, 50.6% EK, and 17.3% KK. The distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in control subjects was 17.2% EE, 55.1% EK, and 27.7% KK. The EE genotype was significantly more common in patients than controls (P = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of the EE genotype significantly increases the risk of PAOD (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-8.4; P = 0.004). This is the first study documenting a role of the ICAM-1 gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of a cardiovascular disease, such as PAOD. Our data support the hypothesis that inflammatory mechanisms are important in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases with an atherosclerotic basis.
Department of Internal Medicine and Angiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore School of Medicine, Rome, Italy. egaetani@hotmail.com
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Gaetani
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Flex
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Pola
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Papaleo
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De Martini
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Aloi
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Flore
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Serricchio
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Gasbarrini
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D020125:Mutation, Missense; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1