Functional rs20417 SNP (-765G>C) of cyclooxygenase-2 gene does not predict the risk of recurrence of ischemic events in coronary patients: results of a 7-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The -765G>C variation (rs20417 SNP) in the promoter of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene has been demonstrated to lower COX-2 enzyme activity in the vasculature, thus affecting atherosclerotic plaque growth and stability. Therefore, this genetic variant may be a candidate influencing the residual risk.

METHODS: In 285 coronary patients the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as a composite of cardiovascular deaths, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke, unstable angina and revascularization procedures, was monitored for a median of 7.8 years. The genotypes were obtained in 231 patients (81%) by PCR amplification and FAU I digestion.

RESULTS: 89 MACEs (38.5%) were recorded during the follow-up in genotyped patients. Their incidence was not different in patients with GC or CC when compared with those with GG genotype (46.2 vs. 35.5% respectively; p = 0.14). Kaplan-Meyer analysis did not demonstrate any influence of COX-2 genotypes on the event-free survival time (log-rank p = 0.55). After controlling for confounders, the -765G>C carrier status was not associated with significant variation in the risk of MACE or its individual components.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the functional G-765C variant in the COX-2 gene is not a significant predictor of the recurrence of ischemic events in coronary patients.