Background: Several proinflammatory single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been linked to the progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Plaque size and its destabilization by inflammatory processes are major determinants of ischemia and acute coronary syndromes. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) allows for quantification of plaque size in vivo. We therefore investigated the relation of plaque size with mutations of proinflammatory genes in patients with CAD.
Methods: In 196 patients with stable CAD enrolled in the ENCORE trials coronary plaque and vessel volume was assessed by IVUS. 173 patients were successfully genotyped for polymorphisms of proinflammatory genes CD14 C(-260)T and CRP C(+1444)T using the single-nucleotide polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (SNP PCR) approach.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable for all genotype groups. Higher ratios of plaque volume/vessel volume were observed in patients with the CRP 1444TT (n=11) and CD14 260TT (n=33) genotypes (p=0.016 and p=0.026, respectively).
Conclusion: In patients with stable coronary artery disease the CRP 1444TT and CD14 260TT variants are associated with larger coronary plaque volume independently of concomitant cardiovascular risk factors.
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