ABSTRACT
Aim: We undertook genetic assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in 20 patients aged 30 years or less undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, to investigate the prognostic value of pre-defined genes.Methods: Twenty patients, who underwent CABG surgery between December 2001 and May 2013, were retrospectively analysed to find out the role their genetic make-up played in their disease. We used three genetic diagnostic tests, the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 gene, the A1/A2 polymorphism of glycoprotein IIIa (GpIIIa) gene, and common polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene.Results: The mean age of patients was 26.35 ± 3.51 (1930) years, and 90% were male (n = 18). One patient had diabetes, three had hypertension, 11 (55%) had dyslipidaemia and 16 (80%) were smokers. Eight of the patients (40%) had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%, and functional capacity was poor in only two (10%) patients (NYHA III IV). Follow up was completed in all patients (100%). We found five homozygous and 11 heterozygous mutations in the MTHFR gene, which predisposes individuals to coronary artery disease or deep-vein thrombosis. Eight patients were found to have a GpIIIa gene polymorphism, which is associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Fifteen patients had a polymorphism in the promoter region of the PAI-1 gene, which is a major inhibitor of the fibrinolytic system. Conclusion: MTHFR C677T polymorphism, and GpIIIa and PAI-1 genes are risk factors for CAD. In young patients, genetic studies promise to revolutionise early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CAD and MI
Subject(s)
Coronary Artery Bypass , Heterozygote , Plasminogen , South Africa , Ventricular Function, LeftABSTRACT
Nicotine caused a dose-dependent decrease [1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg] on writhing score of the mice, made painful by intraperitoneal [i.p.] acetic acid injection. At the dose of 0.75 mg/kg i.p. nicotine lowered attack score and time of the mice but there wasn't a significant change at 0.5 mg/kg dosage. These effect of nicotine were blocked by 2.5 mg/kg mecamlamine which was given 15 minutes before nicotine administration