Exploring genetic susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in Egyptians: Correlation to biochemical investigations

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death among Egyptians. Thus there is always an immense need for exploring the genetic and environmental factors contributing in the development of this disease. Among these factors emerge modulation of nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis and oxidative stress as central players according to recent reports. A range of biochemical disturbances including reduced availability of NO and oxidative stress has been shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction (ED). Recent evidence indicates that ED may be genetically determined. Many studies described the contribution of ED in the predisposition of CVD, in particular myocardial infarction. Therefore, studies in our lab are running to identify the role of genetic polymorphisms in enzymes and regulatory proteins related to NO metabolism and oxidative stress in the predisposition of early-onset myocardial infarction (MI) in Egyptians. Results on the association of DDAH2 gene polymorphism with the incidence of cardiovascular disease in Egyptians will be presented as representative data. Our aim is to contribute through this information in the primary prevention of MI. Identification of genetically susceptible subjects will help in possible interventions (environmental) to undermine the possibility of CVD occurrence