Objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disorder and is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. As the alterations in angiotensinogen (AGT) gene lead to changes in angiotensin II and plasma levels of AGT, variants of this gene may play a role in CAD pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CAD and polymorphisms of AGT gene at M235T and T174M regions. Moreover, the associations of potential risk factors with these gene regions and CAD were investigated.
Materials and Methods: In total, the study enrolled 214 cases with CAD and 200 controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to detect polymorphisms at M235T and T174M. PCR products were electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel, with ethidium bromide, and were then examined under ultraviolet light. Subsequently, RFLP was used to detect gene polymorphisms. A multiple binary logistic regression model was used to investigate the association of risk factors with both CAD and AGT variants.
Results: The number of TT polymorphisms at M235T were significantly higher in the case group than in control group. However, there were no significant differences between cases and controls regarding T174M gene polymorphisms. The presence of hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein level, alcohol consumption, and family history were associated with CAD.
Conclusion: TT polymorphisms at the M235T region in AGT can be an influential factor in the development of CAD.