Investigation of Genetic Variations in APLN and APLNR Genes and Their Potential Role in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Abstract

Background: Apelin is a naturally produced ligand for G protein-linked receptors derived from a 77-amino acid pre-propeptide. The effect of apelin on the development of cardiovascular diseases and the relationship between the apelin gene and the apelin receptor.

Methods: The case-control study included 100 participants of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Samples were collected from patients hospitalized at the Nasiriyah Heart Center between November 10, 2023, and February 15, 2024. The study also included 50 healthy people who did not suffer from cardiovascular disease. The lipid profile was measured by spectrophotometer, and the Apelin level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms for Apelin (APLN) and Apelin receptor (APLNR) were chosen, and Sanger sequencing was used to genotype them accurately.

Results: The findings indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in age between the two groups. Upon comparing the age demographics of the two groups in the study, the results indicated a lack of statistical significance in the levels of APLN or the lipid profile, despite the case group exhibiting markedly elevated Apelin and lipid levels compared to the control group. After multiple test adjustments (P < 0.05), neither the APLN rs2235310T allele nor the APLNR rs9943582 allele demonstrated an association with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease.

Conclusions: The investigation revealed no significant age variations or genetic correlations associated with CHD risk. However, rather than age or genetic differences, elevated apelin and cholesterol levels in the case group indicate these factors as primary contributors to cardiovascular risk.