Objective: To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in paraoxonase1 (PON1) gene Gln192Arg (Q192R) and arterial ischemic stroke in young adults.
Methods: The Q192R genotype was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in 131 young adults with ischemic stroke and 135 age- and gender-matched controls. The plasma lipids were also determined in patients and controls respectively. Furthermore, carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients were measured by carotid ultrasonography.
Results: The distributions of Q192R genotype frequency were significantly different between patients with ischemic stroke and control individuals. And the patients had more RR genotypes than control individuals (P < 0.05). Odds ratio (OR) for stroke were 1.743 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.032-2.943) in subjects with RR genotype. We also studied the relationship between the polymorphisms and the lipid concentration in patients and control individuals. However, no significant association was detected between Q/R192 genotype and any of lipid measurements. Further, the prevalence of cigarette smoking, hypertension and diabetes showed no significant difference between RR and non-RR genotypes in patients. Body mass index (BMI) in two groups did not differ significantly. But IMT of patients with RR genotype obviously increased in comparison to those without RR genotype (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The PON1 gene Q192R polymorphism may be associated with the susceptibility of ischemic stroke in young adults. RR genotype is a genetic risk for young adults with ischemic stroke through an increased carotid artery intima-media thickness and an accelerated atherosclerotic process.