Genetic Susceptibility to Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a complex multifocal arterial disease involving interactions of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Advances in techniques of molecular genetics have revealed that genetic ground significantly influences susceptibility to atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Besides further investigations of monogenetic diseases, candidate genes, genetic polymorphisms, and susceptibility loci associated with atherosclerotic diseases have been identified in recent years, and their number is rapidly increasing. This paper discusses main genetic investigations fields associated with human atherosclerotic vascular diseases. The paper concludes with a discussion of the directions and implications of future genetic research in arteriosclerosis with an emphasis on prospective prediction from an early age of individuals who are predisposed to develop premature atherosclerosis as well as to facilitate the discovery of novel drug targets.

Effect of particulate air pollution and passive smoking on surrogate biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in healthy children

“…[4][5][6] Most studies have highlighted the role of lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet and physical activity as major environmental factors related to atherosclerosis, whereas the contribution of environmental pollutants is less clear.…”

Stem Cells: An Approach for Treatment of Atherosclerosis

“…The role of genetic factors for the inheritance of atherosclerosis has been understood, and genetic variation, such as mutations or common polymorphisms has been shown to be involved in modulation of a range of risk factors, such as plasma lipoprotein levels, inflammation, and vascular calcification [8]. In recent years atherosclerotic diseases have been identified associated with monogenetic diseases, candidate genes, genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility loci, and the number is going to increase very rapidly [9]. The atherosclerotic condition is caused due to a decreased level of apolipoprotein B-100, lipoprotein retention within the arterial wall, efflux of cholesterol and other harmful lipids from plaques, and emigration of lesional foam cells followed by entry of healthy phagocytes that remove necrotic debris and other plaque components.…”

Attributes of Hypoxic Preconditioning Determine the Complicating Atherogenesis of Plaques

“…The interplay of genetic factors with micro-environmental agonists is particularly significant in terms of the dynamics of lipid accumulation within the plaque [16].…”