The association of YKL-40 genetic polymorphisms with coronary artery disease in Taiwan population

Background: YKL-40, released by human activated macrophages, neutrophils and vascular smooth muscle cells, plays a role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and abnormal angiogenesis. However, the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of YKL-40 with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been clear in the Taiwan population and needed to be investigated. Materials and methods: Five hundred and seventy-six unrelated Taiwanese patients (male 397, female 179), receiving coronary angiography because of chest pain at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital were recruited from April 2007 to March 2013. The blood samples were obtained for the analysis of YKL-40 SNPs rs6691378, rs10399805, rs4950928, rs880633 using real time PCR assay from CAD case group (373 patients) and non-CAD control group (203 controls). Results: In the female population, the frequencies of YKL-40 rs6691378 with GA/AA genotype [P=0.008, odds ratio (OR)=2.267] and rs10399805 with GA/AA genotype (P=0.004, OR=2.421,) were higher, as compared to their wild GG genotypes in CAD than non-CAD groups After multivariate analysis for YKL-40 SNPs and clinical features in the female group. In addition to, recent 24 hours severe angina and elevated cardiac enzyme, YKL-40 SNP rs10399805 GA/AA (P=0.009, OR=2.524, 95% confidence interval =1.254-5.078) was an independent factors for CAD. Conclusion: In the Taiwanese female, YKL-40 SNP rs6691378 (-1371G/A) with GA/AA genotype and SNP rs10399805 (-247G/A) with GA/AA genotype were associated with CAD. Based on multivariate analysis, YKL-40 SNP rs10399805 (-247G/A) however was an only independent genetic factor for CAD in the Taiwanese female.