Associations Between Potassium Channel Genes and the Occurrence of Palpitations in Women Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate for associations between the occurrence of palpitations in women prior to breast cancer surgery and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for potassium channel genes.

METHODS

A total of 398 women were recruited prior to breast cancer surgery and provided detailed information on demographic and clinical characteristics. The occurrence of palpitations was assessed using a single item (ie, did you experience your "heart race/pounds" in the past week - yes or no). Blood samples were collected for genomic analyses and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was done using a custom array. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between the occurrence of palpitations and variations in potassium channel genes.

RESULTS

After controlling for functional status and the occurrence of back pain, significant associations were found between the occurrence of palpitations and six SNPs among five candidate genes, including potassium voltage-gated channels (ie, potassium voltage gated channel modifier subfamily S member 1 (KCNS1) rs4499491), potassium inwardly rectifying channels (ie, potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 3 (KCNJ3) rs717175, KCNJ subfamily J member 5 (KCNJ5) rs11221510, KCNJ subfamily J member 6 (KCNJ6) rs13049947 and KCNJ6 rs1399596), and potassium two pore domain channels (ie, potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 2 (KCNK2) rs12757222).

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in potassium channel genes are associated with the occurrence of palpitations in women prior to breast cancer surgery.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: While direct clinical implications cannot be made, these findings provide preliminary evidence of potential therapeutic targets.