A polymorphism in the resistin gene promoter and the risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese population

Objective Resistin, a novel adipocyte-derived peptide, has been linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recently, -420C>G, a variant located in the promoter region of the resistin gene (RETN) was identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between this RETN-420C>G polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Design A hospital-based case-control study. Patients A total of 225 CAD patients and 225 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Measurements Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis to detect the presence of the RETN-420C>G polymorphism. Results The frequencies of RETN-420C>G genotypes in the CAD group were significantly different from those in the control group (P = 0.024). Subjects with the variant genotypes (CG and GG) had a 62% increased risk of CAD compared to CC carriers [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.62,95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09-2.41, P = 0.016]. However, there were no significant differences between the genotypes with respect to weight, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles in CAD patients, and no significant association was found between the RETN -420C>G polymorphism and the severity of CAD. Conclusions Our data suggest that the RETN -420C>G polymorphism might be associated with an increased risk of CAD in a Chinese population.