Genetic polymorphismsof prostacyclin synthase gene and cardiovascular disease

摘要

Prostacyclin (PGI_2) inhibits platelet aggregation and vaso-constriction. PGI_2 synthase (PTGIS), a catalyst of PGI_2 synthesis from prostaglandin H_2, is widely distributed and predominantly found in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The PTGIS gene is localized to 20q13.11-13 and a candidate gene for cardiovascular disease. We discovered mutations and polymorphisms in this gene and reported that they were associated with essential hypertension, myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction. These results suggest that PGI_2 function depends on the different alle-les of the PTGIS gene and that they may influence the risk of cardiovascular disease. Thus, individualized management strategies, such as the administration of PGI_2 analogues, could be selected for variants of this gene, to help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.