title: Association of genetic variation on chromosome 9p21.3 and arterial stiffness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Genome wide association studies have consistently reported associations between a region on chromosome 9p21.3 and a broad range of vascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), aortic and intracranial aneurysms and type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, clear associations with intermediate phenotypes have not been described so far. To shed light on a possible influence of this chromosomal region on arterial wall integrity, we analysed associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and degree of stiffness of the abdominal aorta in elderly individuals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 400 subjects, 212 men and 188 women, aged 70-88 years were included. Arterial stiffness was examined at the midpoint between the renal arteries and the aortic bifurcation. Two CAD- and aneurysm-associated SNPs (rs10757274 and rs2891168) and one T2D-associated SNP (rs1081161) within the 9p21.3 region were genotyped. Aortic compliance and distensibility coefficients were higher in carriers of the rs10757274G and rs2891168G alleles in men reflecting a decrease in aortic stiffness. Adjustment for age and mean arterial pressure had no effect on these associations. The two SNPs were not associated with intima-media thickness or lumen diameter of the abdominal aorta. There were no associations between the rs10811661 SNP and any measure of aortic stiffness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Impaired mechanical properties of the arterial wall may explain the association between chromosome 9p21.3 polymorphisms and vascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Björck
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Länne
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Alehagen
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Persson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rundkvist
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamsten
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Dahlström
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eriksson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D002899:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 / Q000235:genetics*; D003187:Compliance; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000235:genetics*