Abstract WP141: Genetic Polymorphisms Influence Carotid Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Genetic susceptibility affects atherosclerosis in humans. Polymorphisms of genes of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), lipoprotein APOE (APOE), IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) are associated with several components of atherosclerotic disease. We evaluated allelic and genotypic frequencies and their association with age at presentation, vascular risk factors, and presence of symptoms in subjects with carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: We studied Argentine patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis and controls from the general population. Age, vascular risk factors and presence of neurological symptoms were recorded. DNA was obtained from peripheral blood and PCR or PCR-RFLP were used to typify ACE, APOE, IL1Ra, and MPO genes. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared and genotypic susceptibility variants were established. Chi-square and good fit test were applied for differences between expected and observed frequencies. Results: There were 137 patients, 36...