All P-selectin polymorphisms as well as a common E-selectin polymorphism, Ser128Arg which has been reported as being associated with an increased risk of premature coronary heart disease (CHD), and is in tight linkage disequilibrium with several P-selectin polymorphisms, were investigated in 647 patients with MI and 758 control subjects from four regions of France and Northern Ireland (the ECTIM study).
Our results suggest that the E-selectin Ser128Arg polymorphism can functionally alter leukocyte-endothelial interactions as well as biochemical and biological consequences, which may account for the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction.
In subjects suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2 the E-selectin S128R polymorphism is not associated with coronary artery disease nor with an increased risk for myocardial infarction.
Our results suggested there is an increase in the risk of CAD conferred by the Ser128Arg polymorphism and the thr715Pro polymorphism may be a protective factor of MI.