Susceptibility gene to infarct: a review of the literature
Chiodini, B.D.; Barlera, S.; Franzosi, M.G.; Tognoni, G.
Italian Heart Journal. Supplement Official Journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology 2(9): 935-944
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1129-4728 PMID: 11675831 Document Number: 529416
The investigation on the susceptibility genes of myocardial infarction has initiated substantially in the last 20 years. Most efforts have been mainly addressed to identify and evaluate genes involved in those systems already suspected to be implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease. Principal examples are lipid metabolism, coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, membrane receptors of platelets, levels of plasma homocysteine and vascular tone. Therefore up to now, the identification of the genetic factors of myocardial infarction has been carried out through case-control association studies employing a "candidate gene" approach. This method has often led to controversial results, usually difficult to compare. This is an attempt to provide a progress report on the principal susceptibility genes of coronary heart disease.