Genetic Variants of PEAR1 are Associated with Platelet Function and Antiplatelet Drug Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) may affect platelet-platelet contact and aggregation. The aim of this study was to assess the association between PEAR1 polymorphisms and risks of platelet aggregation. Methods: We searched the PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Library electronic databases for articles published through November 30th. 2016. Meta-analysis was performed to examine the relationship between PEAR1 and platelet aggregation and sensitivity analysis by removing individual study from meta-analysis. We collected and analyzed the results of 5 trials involving 5466 patients. Results: Our results demonstrated that the G allele of rs12041331 was associated with a greater platelet aggregation by multiple agonists, both in the presence and absence of antiplatelet drugs, in several separate cohorts of different ethnicities along with an apparent allelic dose-response effect. However, the results of studies on rs2768759 locus were inconsistent and further studies are required. In the presence or absence of antiplatelet drugs treatment, the lowest platelet aggregation was observed in rs2768759 wild-type (AA) patients, followed by heterozygous (AC) and homozygous mutant (CC). Conclusion: PEAR1 rs12041331 is associated with platelet function and antiplatelet drug pharmacodynamics. Future studies on relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms of PEAR1 and incidence of cardiovascular diseases are required.