Paraoxonase gene polymorphisms and aortic calcification

Background: Aortic arch calcification is correlated with the extent of atherosclerosis and is a predictor of future cardiovascular risk. The paraoxonase (PON) gene can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis development. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between aortic arch calcification and PON gene polymorphisms. We also evaluated the association between aortic arch calcification and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: This study included 977 subjects (518 men and 459 women). Genotype polymorphisms include PON1M55L, PON1Q192R, PON2A148G, and PON2S311C, as determined by melting point analysis using LightCycler real-time polymerase chain reaction technology. Aortic arch calcifications were assessed by means of posteroanterior chest X-rays. Calcification severity was graded into four groups. Results: There were no significant differences in PON gene polymorphisms or allele frequencies between the groups (p > 0.05). On simple regression analysis, aortic arch calcification was found to be associated with age, hypertension, diabetes, and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1). On multiple regression analysis, aortic arch calcification was found to be associated with age and ApoA1. Conclusion: We did not find an association between PON gene polymorphisms and aortic arch calcification, but we did confirm that aortic arch calcification is correlated with age and ApoA1.