Mitochondrial DNA polymorphism in advanced carotid atherosclerosis: protective effect of haplogroup J
MtDNA polymorphism was studied in the group of patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis and in controls with subclinical atherosclerosis. Frequencies of main European mtDNA haplogroups were determined. Comparison of the haplogroups frequencies has revealed higher frequency of haplogroup J in controls (17.65%) than in patients (4.55%; p = 0.0145). The results suggest protective effect of haplogroup J in relation to advanced carotid atherosclerosis.