Association between T-cadherin gene (CDH13) variants and severity of coronary heart disease manifestation

Background: Recent data shows that T-cadherin (encoded by CDH13 gene) plays an important role in atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) onset and development. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms in CDH13 gene are associated with T-cadherin, serum adiponectin and lipid levels, but their role in CHD development is not investigated. Materials and methods: The study sample included 187 men with CHD. Association between four SNPs (rs12051272, rs4783244, rs12444338 and rs11646213) variants and type of CHD onset (myocardial infarction or stable angina pectoris) was studied. Results: G/T genotype of rs12051272 is associated with type of CHD onset (for onset with myocardial infarction OR=0.13 (0.04-0.50)). This association was confirmed for patients with arterial hypertension without dyslipidemia and obesity and for smokers. No associations between genotype and type of CHD onset were found for rs4783244, rs12444338 and rs11646213. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that genetically predetermined changes in T-cadherin expression can influence atherogenesis and CHD development.