ADAMTS13 Gene Polymorphisms and Coronary Artery Disease Risk, Long-Term Survival, and Risk Factor Profile

Background: ADAMTS13 is a protein that cleaves large multimers of von Willebrand factor, thereby limiting platelet aggregation and adhesion and regulating thrombogenesis. Research findings suggest a possible association between low ADAMTS13 levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, and its activity may be influenced by polymorphic variants of the ADAMTS13 gene. Methods: The study group included 259 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 238 control blood donors. Genotyping of ADAMTS13 polymorphisms (rs2301612, rs2073932, and rs2285489) was performed using TaqMan PCR. Results: ADAMTS13 gene polymorphisms showed no association with CAD risk or patient survival at 5- or 10-year follow-up. However, higher HDL cholesterol levels were observed in carriers of the G alleles (rs2301612 and rs2073932) and the T allele (rs2285489). Additionally, the rs2285489 and rs2301612 polymorphisms were associated with certain proatherogenic lipid indices. In silico analysis indicated that all studied polymorphisms influenced gene expression in certain vascular tissues or blood. Conclusions: ADAMTS13 gene polymorphisms may affect gene expression in specific tissues; however, this effect does not appear sufficient to meaningfully influence CAD onset or patient survival. A significant association between the analyzed polymorphisms and HDL levels or some proatherogenic lipid indices was observed; however, the underlying mechanism requires further investigation.