The E-selectin SER128ARG gene polymorphism and restenosis after successful coronary angioplasty

Objectives: Coronary angioplasty remains plagued by the problem of restenosis. Genetic polymorphisms may contribute to the development of restenosis by mediating exaggerated inflammatory responses of the endothelium to angioplasty-induced injury. Background: The serine (Ser)–128-arginine (Arg) gene polymorphism of E-selectin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to explore whether allelic variants relate to post-angioplasty restenosis. Methods: The 128Arg allele was analyzed by PCR in 101 (derivation study, age 54±1 years, all mean±S.E.M.) and 92 (validation study, age 62±1 years) patients with CAD who underwent successful angioplasty. Results: Restenosis, defined as >50% luminal diameter reduction at the target lesion at follow-up angiography, was found in 54/101 (53%) and 43/92 (47%) patients during follow-up. The 128Arg allele frequency in the derivation study was 10.39% and was 11.96% in the validation study. The 128Arg allele was more prevalent in the restenosis groups (14.81% and 17.44%, respectively) than in the restenosis-free groups (5.32% and 7.14%, respectively, p=0.027 and p=0.031). In multivariate logistic regression, the 128Arg allele emerged as a predictor of restenosis in both studies (p<0.05). There were no differences in the level of soluble E-selectin according to genotype, gender, age (p>0.20), and between patients with restenosis and those without (43.8±3.2 vs. 47.4±3.1 ng/ml, p>0.20). Conclusions: The 128Arg allele of E-selectin may be related to increased endothelial responses to injury, thereby potentially serving as a risk factor for post-angioplasty restenosis in patients with CAD. The development of restenosis remains a problem in patients with CAD. The Ser128Arg polymorphism of E-selectin was analyzed in 101 (derivation) and 92 (validation) CAD patients. Patients with restenosis (54/101 and 43/92) had a higher frequency of the 128Arg allele (14.81 and 17.44%) than those without (5.32%, p=0.027 and 7.14%, p=0.031). In logistic regression, the 128Arg allele emerged as a predictor of restenosis in both studies (p<0.05). The E-selectin 128Arg allele may serve as a risk factor for the development of restenosis.