Background: A genetically defined molecular heterogeneity of haptoglobin, characterized by the major phenotypic forms Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1, and Hp 2-2, has been associated with distinct clinical manifestations. To enable the use of DNA samples for the study of this polymorphism, we established a haptoglobin genotyping method based on PCR. Methods: Taking advantage of the selectivity of PCR, we amplified DNA segments specifically representing haptoglobin alleles Hp 1 and Hp 2 from genomic DNA. The products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Haptoglobin phenotyping of plasma samples was performed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and peroxidase staining. Results: Exploiting the known size difference between Hp 1 and Hp 2, we amplified allele-specific DNA molecules with one pair of oligonucleotide primers. As an alternative, we used separate primer pairs to generate amplification products indicative of alleles Hp 1 and Hp 2. Because of the primer design, genotype determination was not compromised by sequence variations specifying haptoglobin allele subtypes S and F. For the same reason, the sequence similarity between the haptoglobin gene and the haptoglobin-related gene did not interfere with the accuracy of genotyping. Analysis with restriction enzymes demonstrated the authenticity of the allele-specific DNA products. Haptoglobin DNA genotyping and protein phenotyping, performed in parallel, yielded fully corresponding results. In a group of 249 individuals, the haptoglobin genotype distribution was as follows: 14.5% Hp 1-1, 48.2% Hp 2-1, and 37.3% Hp 2-2. Conclusion: The new method can be used for genotyping of a common haptoglobin polymorphism.

A large variability in the antiplatelet response to clopidogrel has been consistently reported. Recently, a P2Y12 haplotype was shown to be associated with enhanced adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. The aim of this study was to test in patients (n = 416) scheduled for coronary artery stenting whether P2Y12 haplotype H2 carriage is associated with increased ADP-induced platelet aggregation after administration of a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel. Blood was drawn from the arterial sheath at least 2 h after administration of 100 mg aspirin and 600 mg clopidogrel. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was assessed in platelet-rich plasma with light-transmission aggregometry. P2Y12 haplotypes (H1/H2) and P2Y12 C32T genotypes were determined with TaqMan assays. Haplotype combinations and genotypes were not associated with parameters of ADP-induced platelet aggregation after administration of a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel. Maximal ADP (5 mumol/l)-induced platelet aggregation was similar in patients carrying haplotype H2 and homozygous carriers of haplotype H1 (43.9 +/- 21.4 versus 43.2 +/- 21.1%, respectively; P = 0.77). Carriage of P2Y12 H2 haplotype does not seem to affect the platelet response to a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel in coronary artery disease patients prior to stenting.