APOC3, CETP, fibrinogen, and MTHFR are genetic determinants of carotid intima-media thickness in healthy men (the Stanislas Cohort)

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between carotid i ntima-media thickness (CIMT) inter-individual variability and 16 polymorphi sms of 11 genes associated with cardiovascular risk factors (genes among li pid and homocysteine metabolisms, blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, le ukocyte adhesion and renin-angiotensin system). CIMT was measured by high r esolution B-mode ultrasonography in an healthy population of 77 men and 84 women, aged 35-54 years and selected from a French Cohort: the Stanislas Co hort. The polymorphisms studied were genotyped by a multilocus approach. Statisti cal analyses were carried out by ANOVA, after adjustment of CIMT for age, b ody mass index, and smoking, and by multiple regression analyses. No associ ation was found with APOB Thr71Ile, APOC3 -482CT, -455T/C, GpIIIa PIA, AT1R 1166A/C, AGT Met235Thr, CBS Ile278Thr, SELE 98G/T, and SELE Ser128Arg, pol ymorphisms neither in men nor in women. Although, in women we did not find ally association for APOC3 3206T/G, 3175C/G, 1100C/T, CETP Ile405Val, MTHFR 677C/T and fibrinogen-455G/A polymorphisms; in men these polymorphisms wer e associated with CIMT variability (p less than or equal to 0.01; p less th an or equal to 0.05). The most interesting finding was that altogether thes e genes in men were able to explain a considerable part, 20.6%, of CIMT var iability. Therefore, our study gives a new opportunity to understand CIMT v ariability.