eNOS gene influences platelet phenotype in acute coronary syndrome patients on dual antiplatelet treatment

Platelets. 2009 Dec;20(8):548-54. doi: 10.3109/09537100903337401.

Abstract

Nitric Oxide (NO) plays a relevant role in regulating platelet recruitment and eNOS is the major isoform known to be expressed in platelets. Polymorphisms in the eNOS gene with a reduced NO availability might affect platelet phenotype. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of eNOS-786T > C, 894G > T and 4a/4b polymorphisms in modulating platelet phenotype in 1442 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, previously investigated in relation to platelet function. Platelet aggregation on platelet-rich plasma after collagen (2 microg/mL), ADP (10 microM) and arachidonic acid (AA) (1 mM) stimuli and the genetic analysis of eNOS polymorphisms were assessed. In subjects carrying the eNOS 4a and -786C alleles a significantly higher maximal platelet aggregation value after AA was found (p = 0.02 and p = 0.047, respectively). eNOS 4a but not -786C allele weakly influenced platelet aggregation after collagen stimulus (p = 0.05). eNOS 4a allele significantly and independently influenced AA-induced platelet aggregation (p = 0.01). A significantly higher percentage of patients with AA-induced high residual platelet reactivity (RPR) was found in subjects carrying both eNOS 4a and -786C allele (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). At logistic multivariate analysis, the eNOS 4a allele significantly influenced the AA-induced high residual platelet reactivity (p = 0.02). This study evidences a role for eNOS gene in moderately, but significantly, modulating platelet phenotype in a high-risk population on dual antiplatelet treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / blood*
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Platelets* / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Regression Analysis

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • NOS3 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III