POLYMORPHISM OF THE PLATELET GLYCOPROTEIN IIIA GENE IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY STENOSIS

Based on generic variability, structural differences in the glycoprote in IIb/IIIa platelet receptor for adhesive proteins result in individu al differences in the thrombogenicity of platelets. Recent studies sug gest a controversial association between a genetic polymorphism of the glycoprotein IIIa gene (Pl(A2)) and the risk of coronary artery disea se. In our study, the prevalence of the Pl(A2) allele in a group of pa tients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization was 37%, a v alue significantly higher than in controls [13%, odds ratio (OR) = 3.9 3, 95% CI, 1.84 to 8.53] suggesting a significant association between this polymorphism and documented coronary stenosis, which is strongest among <60 years old patients (OR = 12.30, 95% CI, 2.98 to 70.93). Thi s polymorphism represents an inherited risk factor for severe cardiova scular disease due to coronary occlusion.