Lack of Association between the Prothrombin gene rs1799963 G/A polymorphism and atherosclerosis risk in non-smokers from Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although smoking is a well-established risk factor, the genetic and environmental factors contributing to atherosclerosis in non-smoking populations remain less understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between the prothrombin F2 gene rs1799963 G/A polymorphism and atherosclerotic risk in non-smoking Pakistani adults. Results Family history of cardiovascular diseases (p < 0.001), high stress level (p = 0.001) and low physical activity (p = 0.002) showed significant association with atherosclerosis. The rs1799963 GG genotype (90% vs. 74%, p = 0.213) and G allele (95% vs 85%, p = 0.126) were more prevalent in patient group as compare to healthy controls. However, association between atherosclerosis and rs1799963 G/A in non-smokers was not significant. Discussion The findings suggest that family history, stress level, and lifestyle-related factors may contribute more strongly to atherosclerotic risk in non-smoking individuals than the studied F2 rs1799963 polymorphism. Although a higher frequency of the GG genotype and G allele was observed among patients, the lack of statistical significance may be due to the small sample size. Further studies with larger cohorts and multiple genetic markers are required to better understand genetic and environmental interactions in non-smoking populations. Conclusion In summary, risk of atherosclerosis increases in subjects with family history of cardiovascular diseases, high stress level and low physical activity. However, no influence of F2 rs1799963 polymorphism for the risk of atherosclerosis was found in non-smokers in the studied cohort.