Aims: Extracellular ATP acting on the P2Y11 receptor regulates inflammatory cells. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in the receptor could influence the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Methods and results: In the Malmö diet and cancer AMI case-control study (n = 3732) the P2Y11 gene Thr-87 polymorphism was present in 19.8% of the controls and 22.9% in AMI patients (OR 1.21; P = 0.03). Stronger associations were found in patients with family history (FH) of AMI, 1.32; early-onset (EO) AMI, 1.43; or EO AMI combined with FH, 1.50; supporting a genetic mechanism. The Thr-87 homozygotes had an even greater risk of AMI, 1.94 (P = 0.04); and 2.48 in the EO AMI subgroup, suggesting a genetic dosage effect. In the cardiovascular risk factor group (n = 6055), 21.3% carried the Thr-87 allele. C-reactive protein was elevated in Thr-87 carriers: 1.6 mg/L vs. 1.3 mg/L (P = 0.001). No difference was seen for blood pressure, lipids, body mass index, smoking, or diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: The common Ala-87-Thr polymorphism of the P2Y11 receptor is associated with AMI and increased levels of C-reactive protein. We hypothesize that an inflammatory mechanism might be involved. The P2Y11 receptor is a promising new drug target in the prevention of AMI.