Association of lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease among Filipinos.

Studies have shown association of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) polymorphisms with coronary artery disease (CAD); however, limited studies on the genetics of CAD have been done in the Philippines. Because of their effects on high-density lipoprotein and triglyceride metabolism, the G-allele of the Ser447X variant of LPL gene has been shown to be atheroprotective, while HindIII polymorphism has been shown to be pro-atherogenic. We assessed 1301 patients undergoing coronary angiography to determine the prevalence of HindIII and Ser447X polymorphisms and their association with angiographically significant CAD. Genotyping for HindIII and Ser447X variants were analyzed by real-time PCR. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the interaction between LPL polymorphisms and risk factors of CAD. CAD+ group (72%) was predominantly male (76%) with a mean age of 60.17 ± 11.01 with hypertension (89%), dyslipidemia (84%) and smoking (54%) as the most common risk factors. HindIII carriage frequency among the CAD+ group was 20.3% with a genotypic distribution of 78.71% (T/T), 19.83% (T/G) and 1.46% (G/G). Ser447X carriage frequency among the CAD+ group was 8.0% with a genotypic distribution of 91.39% (C/C), 8.38% (C/G) and 0.23% (G/G). HindIII and Ser447X polymorphisms were both not significantly associated with CAD. LPL polymorphic allele HindIII was common, while Ser447X was rare. Present study did not show association of LPL polymorphisms with the development of CAD. However, among patients with dyslipidemia, presence of Ser447X allele is associated with an increased risk (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.1-3.7; p value < 0.001) of developing CAD than those without LPL polymorphisms.

Molecular diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis secondary to cytomegalovirus in vitreous aspirate.

We report a case of a 45-year old Filipino post-kidney transplant patient maintained on steroids, who presented with floaters in her left eye. Vitreous aspirate was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). A distinct band (435 bp) was found that confirmed the presence of HCMV. Since a rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for prompt administration of antiviral therapy, PCR-based analysis of vitreous aspirate provides a valuable tool in the diagnosis of patients with retinitis caused by herpes viruses.