[Genetics in ischaemic heart disease]

Abstract

The role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of ischaemic heart disease has recently raised a considerable interest among researchers. Numerous investigations aim at finding variants of genes which might be responsible for increasing the risk of this illness. Many studies investigate polymorphic variants of genes whose protein products contribute to the genesis and development of atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis and other processes significant for the progression of ischaemic heart disease. Genes whose polymorphisms are potentially connected with a given illness are called genes candidates. In ischaemic heart disease the most often analyzed genes are those connected with metabolism of lipids, the coagulation and fibrinolytic system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Factors of inflammation (cytokines, TNF), proliferation of smooth muscles cells and vasoactivation are also important. The analysis of genetic multifunctional basis of the disease is rather difficult. Manifestation of the illness is connected with accumulation of several genetic determinants, while the clinical picture is additionally modified by environmental factors. Studies of genetic etiopathogenesis of ischaemic heart disease may result in effective prevention and treatment in particular patients.