A common isoform of integrin β3, Leu33Pro is associated with enhanced platelet function and increased risk for coronary thrombosis and stroke, although these findings remain controversial.
Previous studies showed an association between the GPIIIa Pl(A1/A2) polymorphism and coronary thrombosis, while there is only contrasting evidence about its role in stroke.
In view of previous studies linking the presence of the PlA2 allele of GPIIIa to a higher risk for coronary artery thrombosis, our data have physiologic relevance.
The PlA polymorphism of the gene for GPIIIa (beta3 integrin) has been suggested to play an important role in the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD) and in coronary thrombosis.
Our results suggest that the A2 allele of the Pl(A1/A2) polymorphism of GPIIIa is a major risk factor of coronary thrombosis and may be one important predictor of SCD in early middle age.