A chymase gene variant is associated with atherosclerosis in venous coronary artery bypass grafts

Background Angiotensin II is known to stimulate proliferation of fibroblast s and smooth muscle cells and enhance the atherosclerotic process in native coronary arteries. The impact of genetic polymorphisms of the renin-angiot ensin-aldosterone system on coronary bypass graft degeneration is unknown. Methods We examined polymorphisms of four genes (AGTR1, CYP11B2, ACE, CMA) in 101 patients who had follow-up coronary angiography due to symptoms 88 /- 52 months after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Bypass degeneratio n was determined with quantitative coronary angiography and an adjusted Gen sini score. Results Homozygosity for the G allele of the CMA-1905 polymorphism was asso ciated with a higher degree of bypass degeneration (Bypass Gensini score CM A AA 21.4 +/- 39; AG 24.2 +/- 39.8; GG 27.8 +/- 42.3; NS-time adjusted Gens ini bypass scores CMA AA 0.25 +/- 0.68, AG 0.57 +/- 1.82; GG 3.25 +/- 13.2; P=0.005). No association could be detected for the AGTR1, CYP11B2 or ACE p olymorphism. Conclusion The CMA allele G is a genetic risk factor for atherosclerosis in venous coronary artery bypass grafts. Its importance has to be shown in fu rther studies. Other polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone sys tem do not seem to play a role in bypass degeneration. Coron Artery Dis 12: 493-497 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.