A polymorphism in the cyclooxygenase 1 gene is associated with decreased inflammatory prostaglandin F 2 α formation and lower risk of cardiovascular disease

• Published in: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes and essential fatty acids Vol. 80; no. 1; pp. 51 - 56
• Main Authors: Helmersson, J., Ärnlöv, J., Axelsson, T., Basu, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2009
• Subjects: Cardiovascular disease; Cyclooxygenase-1; Gene polymorphism; Human; Inflammation; Prostaglandins; Human; Cardiovascular disease; Prostaglandins; Inflammation; Cyclooxygenase-1; Gene polymorphism
• ISSN: 0952-3278; 1532-2823
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2008.11.001

This study investigates the impact of genetic variation in the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) gene on formation of the vasoconstrictive, pro-inflammatory prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α ) and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We determined COX-1 genotypes, PGF 2 α formation and CVD prevalence in a Swedish cohort of 809 men at age 77 years. Of these, 237 had a history of CVD according to the registry data. Four of nine COX-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with altered formation of PGF 2 α ( P<0.05). Two COX-1 gene variants (rs10306135 and rs883484) remained significantly associated with altered PGF 2 α formation after adjusted significance level for multiple testing ( α-level=0.0059). Furthermore, individuals homozygote for the variant allele rs10306135 had lower prevalence of CVD, compared to the common allele (0% versus 30%, P=0.0047). In conclusion, subjects homozygote for the variant allele of a COX-1 gene polymorphism represent a subpopulation of men with decreased PGF 2 α formation and lower prevalence of CVD.