Glycoprotein integrin alpha polymorphism and acute cerebrovascular events in the families of patients with atrial fibrillation
Aim. To assess the associations between the polymorphism of the glycoprotein integrin alpha (Ia) gene and acute cerebrovascular events (ACerVE) in the families of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Material and methods. In total, 43 probands with chronic AF and ACerVE in medical history (25 women and 18 men) and their 54 first, second, and third-degree relatives (37 women and 17 men) were examined. The control group included 188 people free from cardiovascular disease (96 women and 92 men). All participants underwent standard medical examination, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and genetic analysis. In addition, the relatives of probands underwent 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring and physical stress test, in order to detect paroxysmal cardiac arrhythmias. Results. CC genotype of the glycoprotein Ia 807С>Т polymorphism was significantly less prevalent in patients with AF and ACerVE, compared to the control group (23,3% vs. 43,1%; р=0,026; odds ratio (OR) 0,40; 95 confidence interval (CI) 0,19-0,86%). In contrast, СТ genotype of the glycoprotein Ia 807С>Т polymorphism was significantly more prevalent among participants with AF and ACerVE, compared to the controls (62,8% vs. 42,6%; р=0,026). Overall, genotypes with T allele (CT+TT) were significantly more prevalent in AF patients with ACerVE than in controls (76,8% vs. 57,0%; р=0,026; OR 0,40; 95% CI 0,19-0,86%). In three relatives of probands, AF was detected, and two relatives had ACerVE in their medical history. Among the relatives with AF and ACerVE, CT genotype of the glycoprotein Ia 807С>Т polymorphism was also registered. Conclusion. This study has demonstrated that CT genotype of the glycoprotein Ia 807С>Т polymorphism is associated with ACerVE in the families of AF patients. Individuals with TT genotype of the glycoprotein Ia 807С>Т polymorphism might benefit from the administration of acetylsalicylic acid, while in people with CC and CT genotypes, anticoagulants might be more effective.