Objective: This study inquired into the relationship between a pentanucleotide repeats(PNR) polymorphism of the apolipoprotein(a)[apo(a)] gene and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease(CHD) in Chinese Han nationality.
Methods: PNR polymorphism of the apo(a) gene from 165 cases of CHD and 153 normal individuals were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-denature polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-silver stain.
Results: The frequencies of (TTTTA)(5/8) genotype (0.188) and (TTTTA)(5) allele (0.115) in CHD group were remarkably higher than those in control group (0.039, 0.026)(P<0.01, P<0.05).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that the PNR polymorphism of apo(a) is associated with the susceptibility to CHD, which may be involved in the development of CHD.