G219A polymorphism in CRP gene and occurrence of atrial fibrilation after cardiac surgery

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent arrhythmia in adult population. Inflammation is a risk factor for AF and might have important in its occurrence. Increased C‐reactive protein plasma levels (CRP) have been found in AF and they could be determined by polymorphisms in the CRP gene. We investigate here if the G219A polymorphism in CRP gene is associated to AF occurrence. In this study, 116 patients with elective CABG were included. Systemic inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and 72 h after surgery. G219A polymorphism in the CRP gene, located 219‐bp downstream of exon 2 in the 3′ flanking sequence, was determined by PCR and we correlated with plasma CPR levels and AF occurrence. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of each participating health center. All patient gave signed an informed consent. Mean age of patients was 61±11 years and 85% of them were male and 48% had a history of hypertension. Allelic frequencies for allele G and A were 0.57 and 0.43, respectively. There were no differences between genotypes with regard to diagnosis, risk factors, smoking, medical history and medications at entry. Postoperative FA incidence was 13%. Mean preoperative and postoperative PCR levels were 3.35 and 75.6 mg/L, respectively. We concluded that no association between G219A polymorphism in the CRP gene, CRP levels and AF were found.DI‐06‐09‐2, FONDECYT 1070641