Estrogen receptor 2 polymorphism and carotid intima-media thickness

Abstract

Aims: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of estrogen receptor 2 gene (ESR2) rs1256049 polymorphism to carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), as part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Results: The frequencies of ESR2 genotypes G/G, G/A, and A/A were 85.1%, 14.3%, and 0.7%, respectively, in the whole study population (n=2211). Compared with subjects with genotype GG, those with the A allele had higher mean CIMT (p=0.004) and maximal CIMT (p=0.005). Conclusions: In a Finnish population, the ESR2 rs1256049 polymorphism A allele is associated with preclinical atherosclerosis in young adulthood. Our results and those of others also suggest that some effects of this genetic variation may be population specific. © Copyright 2008, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.