Brain Natriuretic Peptide Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Aim. To study the influence of brain natriuretic peptide gene polymorphism (polymorphic locus Т-381С) on brain natriuretic peptide serum level and congestive heart failure onset risk and clinical features in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods. 412 patients with congestive heart failure were examined. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Brain natriuretic peptide N-terminal fragment level was assessed by ELISA. The control group included 211 healthy controls with no signs of cardiovascular pathology on examination. Results. In healthy people with C/C genotype the level of brain natriuretic peptide N-terminal fragment was significantly higher in comparison with people carrying T/T genotype. It was found that the T allele and T/T genotype of the T-381C natriuretic peptide gene polymorphic locus was associated with high risk, severity and unfavorable clinical course of congestive heart failure in patients with coronary heart disease. At the same time, the C allele and C/C genotype emerged as a protective factor regarding the risk, severity and clinical course of the disease. Conclusion. T/T genotype carriers of the of the T-381C natriuretic peptide gene polymorphic locus are a special subgroup associated with high risk of congestive heart failure onset and unfavorable clinical course. Therefore these patients with coronary heart disease should be considered as a group requiring an out-patient control and preventive measures targeted on congestive heart failure and premature mortality prevention.