Publication details
Variability in the endocannabinoid system genes, FAAH and CNR1, changes the risk of acute myocardial infarction and plasma cholesterol level
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | European Journal of Heart Failure Supplements |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Keywords | FAAH, CNR1, genetic variability, acute myocardial infarction |
| Description | Purpose: Cannabinoids and their synthetic and endogenous analogs exert not only psychoactive, but also cardiovascular effects. These effects are complex and comprise direct consequences on the myocardium, vasculature, and modulate also autonomic outflow in the central and peripheral nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between certain symptoms of chronic heart failure (myocardial infarction, plasma cholesterol concentration) to the FAAH and CNR 1 receptor gene polymorphism. Methods: A total of 324 subjects were genotyped and stratified in case – control study. A case group of 155 patients with a personal history of chronic heart failure and 169 age and sex matched controls without a personal history of cardiovascular disorder, diabetes mellitus and obesity was collected. All of the subjects were genotyped for FAAH 385 C/A polymorphism and CNR1 1359 G/A polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis. The distributions of genotype and allelic frequencies were calculated using chi-square tests. To calculate the significance of odds ratio, Fisher's exact test was used. Results: The homozygous CNR1 1359 A/A genotype was significantly associated with higher plasma cholesterol concentration in case group subjects (P=0.04). The individuals carrying A allele have a 2,37-fold increase in the risk for the development of myocardial infarction (odds ratio, OR=2.37, 95% confidence interval, CI:1.36-6.93, P=0.01) Conclusions: The study results suggest a role for FAAH 385 A/A variant as a risk factor for myocardial infarction. The CNR1 1359 A/A polymorphism is probably associated with higher plasma cholesterol concentration. Thus, the pharmacological interference with this system may change therapeutic approaches in certain cardiovascular disorders. |