Objective: To test the hypothesis that allelic variants of the paraoxonase-1 gene are associated with endothelial dysfunction, an early stage of atherosclerosis.
Patients and methods: We assessed 192Q>R and 55L>M allelic variants of the paraoxonase gene and coronary endothelial function in response to intracoronary acetylcholine in 99 patients (52 with homozygous QQ, 47 with homozygous RR or heterozygous QR). The study was conducted from September 1, 2002, through November 30, 2004.
Results: Of 52 homozygous QQ patients, 39 (75%) had endothelial dysfunction vs 20 (43%) of the 47 RR/QR patients (P=.001), and this association remained significant after adjustment in a multivariable linear regression model (P=.005). In homozygous QQ vs RR/QR patients, epicardial arterial diameter decreased more (% change in diameter, -22%+/-21% vs -9%+/-16%, respectively, P=.002), coronary blood flow increased less (+37%+/-77% vs +75%+/-75%, P=.02) in response to acetylcholine, and oxidized LDL levels were higher. The 55L>M allelic variant was not significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction and had no effect on the association between endothelial dysfunction and the 192Q>R allelic variant.
Conclusion: The 192Q>R allelic variant of the paraoxonase-1 gene is associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction. The current study provides further information regarding the potential mechanisms by which this allelic variant contributes to early atherosclerosis in humans.