title: Increased risk of venous thromboembolism is associated with genetic variation in heme oxygenase-1 in Blacks.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Venous thromboembolism (VTE) affects as many as 1 in 1000 individuals in the United States. Although Blacks are disproportionately affected by VTE, few genetic risk factors have been identified in this population. The inducible heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) gene encodes a key cytoprotective enzyme with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulant activity acting in the vascular system. A (GT)(n) microsatellite located in the promoter of the HMOX1 gene influences the level of response.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using the Genetic Attributes and Thrombosis Epidemiology (GATE) study, we examined the association between HMOX1 repeat length and VTE events in 883 Black and 927 White patients and matched controls. We found no association between HMOX1 genotypes and VTE in Whites. However, in Black patients, carrying two long (L) alleles (≥ 34 repeats) was significantly associated with provoked (odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-2.90) or recurrent (OR 3.13, 95% CI: 1.77-5.53) VTE events.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have demonstrated for the first time an association between genetic variation in HMOX1, and VTE in Blacks. Our results support a key role for the heme oxygenase system in protecting patients at increased risk for thrombosis and suggest a potential mechanism for targeted screening and intervention.
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Molecular Hemostasis Laboratory Branch, Division of Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Bean
authors.forename: Sheree L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Boulet
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ellingsen
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Trau
authors.forename: Nafisa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ghaji
authors.forename: W Craig
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hooper
authors.forename: Harland
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Austin
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000235:genetics*; D000483:Alleles; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014644:Genetic Variation; D051547:Heme Oxygenase-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000235:genetics*; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: C496541:HMOX1 protein, human; D051547:Heme Oxygenase-1