The E23K polymorphism in Kir6.2 gene and coronary heart disease

BackgroundThe G to A mutation in the Kir 6.2, the ATP-sensitive potassium channel subunit, resulted a glutamate (E) to lysine (K) substitution at codon 23, and the A allele was shown to have a relationship with high risk to type 2 diabetes in previous study. Their role in coronary heart disease (CHD) has not been evaluated. We hypothesized that the polymorphism would be associated with increased susceptibility to CHD.MethodsThe E23K gene polymorphism of Kir6.2 gene was analyzed by PCR-restriction site polymorphism (PCR-RSP) methods in 101 controls and 119 CHD patients. Serum lipids and C reactive protein concentrations were measured in all subjects.ResultsAmong the CHD patients, the frequency of the G allele was higher (63.4% vs. 56.9%, P > 0.05) and the frequency of the A allele was lower (36.6% vs. 43.1%, P > 0.05) than among controls. No significant differences were found in allele frequencies between CHD and controls (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in GG and combined (GA + AA) genotypes frequencies (42.0% vs. 28.7%, and 58.0% vs. 71.3%, P < 0.050).ConclusionsThe E23K gene polymorphism in Kir6.2 gene appeared to be related to high susceptibility to CHD.