Associations between genetic polymorphisms of paraoxonase genes and coronary artery disease in a Taiwanese population

Objective: We evaluated the relationship between polymorphisms of the paraoxonase (PON) gene and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Taiwanese patients. Methods: Our sample set included 369 volunteers, classified into two groups: 162 healthy volunteers and 207 CAD patients aged 60.0. ±. 9.7 and 64.3. ±. 12.3. years, respectively. Polymorphisms of the PON1 and PON2 genes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques. Results: The results indicate that for the PON1 gene, the homozygous genotype RR was found significantly more often among the CAD group compared with the healthy group (OR. = 1.965, 95% CI. = 1.223-3.159, p. = 0.005). Furthermore, for the PON2 gene, the homozygous genotype CC was found significantly more often among the CAD group compared with the control group (OR. = 2.525, 95% CI. = 1.103-5.780, p. = 0.026). Conclusions: Individuals homozygous for the R allele of the PON1 gene and the C allele of the PON2 gene are more likely to have an increased risk of CAD.