Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphism in Women With Suspected Ischemia

Introduction: Association of serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms with adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in women with suspected ischemia has not yet been reported. We hypothesized an association of 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms with risk of adverse CV events in women with suspected ischemic heart disease (IHD) referred for coronary angiography enrolled in the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE). Method: We studied clinical and angiographic data and DNA from a cohort of 437 Caucasian women enrolled in the WISE genotyped for the long (L) and short (S) variant of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Women were followed yearly for adverse CV events (defined as first occurrence of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure hospitalization) with data collected at WISE 10-year follow-up. Exploratory analyses compared outcomes between genotype groups. Results: A total of 437 women, with baseline, angiographic, and long-term follow-up data, were successfully genotyped. Their mean age was 58 ± 11 years and body mass index 29 ± 6; 54% had hypertension, 18% diabetes, 50% dyslipidemia, 20% depression history, and only 34% had obstructive CAD. At 8.9 years median follow-up, the SS genotype was associated with significantly increased risk of adverse CV event versus LL + LS (1.93, confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-3.61, P = .03). Results were not significant for all-cause death (hazard ratio: 1.63, CI: 0.91-2.93, P = .09). Conclusion: Among a cohort of Caucasian women with suspected IHD enrolled in the WISE, the SS homozygous genotype for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was associated with increased risk of adverse CV outcomes.