Oxidized LDL receptor 1 (OLR1) SNPs and CAD: a case-control association study in a North Indian population

The human lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1/LOX-1) is expressed on the endothelial cells, macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells. It internalizes Ox-LDL leading to multiple effects on endothelial dysfunctions and atherosclerosis (Knowles et al., 2008). The expression of OLR1 gene has been observed in vivo (placenta, lungs, brain, and liver) and in vitro (aortic endothelial cell) (Sawamura et al., 1997). Furthermore, Ox-LDL and inflammatory cytokines can up-regulate the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules which are involved in atherosclerosis (Kume & Gimbrone, 1994). The association of OLR1 gene polymorphisms with acute myocardial infarction (Chen et al., 2003; Mango et al., 2003; Tatsuguchi et al., 2003; Ohmori et al., 2004; Trabetti et al., 2006), ischemic cerebrovascular disease (Hattori et al., 2006), and essential hypertension (Hou et al., 2008) has been reported in different populations. In the present paper we investigated for the first time the association of OLR1 gene polymorphisms (G501C, IVS4-73C>T, and 3′UTR 188C>T) with coronary artery disease in an Indian population.