Involvement of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Increased Cardiovascular Risk Disease in the Algerian Population

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cover various pathologies including heart failure (HF). Furthermore, vitamin D is involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to assess the association between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotypes and the occurrence of cardiovascular disorders in the Algerian population. VDR gene polymorphisms were identified using the PCR-RFLP method. Moreover, plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D were assessed by a chemiluminescent immunoassay method and plasma NT-proBNP levels were determined in vitro by immunoenzymatic analysis. Interestingly, our results indicate that the genotypic frequencies of ApaI polymorphism of the VDR gene were significantly higher in CVD patients compared to the control group. Moreover, higher numbers of AA genotypes and A alleles were found in the CVD group. Our data indicate that the group of CVD patients with HF compared to those without HF showed the same genotype and allele distribution. Furthermore, low vitamin D rates and high N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels according to the VDR rs7975232 genotype were noted in CVD patients compared to healthy controls. Our results indicate that ApaI polymorphism of the VDR gene and lower vitamin D level may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. These findings indicate that the ApaI AA genotype could be considered as a new HF risk marker in the Algerian population.