Additive effects of the chemokine receptor 2, vitamin D receptor, interleukin-6 polymorphisms and cardiovascular risk factors on the prevalence of myocardial infarction in patients below 65 years

Background Cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) have been associated with myocardial infarction (MI), while the role of genetic risk factors (GRF) remains undetermined. Methods Cineventriculograms of 3436 were analyzed for presence of regional function impairment as sign of MI. Genotyping for genetic polymorphism (vitamin D receptor VDR BsmI, interleukin-6 IL6-174 G/C, chemokine receptor 2 CCR2 64 V/I) was performed. CRF were assessed (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and diabetes mellitus). Results In patients < 65 years (n = 1946) genotypes (VDR BB, IL6 GC/CC, CCR2 VI/II, defined as GRF) were significantly associated with the presence of MI (BB: OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.07–1.79, p = 0.016 GC/CC: 1.28, 95%CI 1.03–1.60, p = 0.028 VI/II: 1.49, 95%CI 1.17–1.88, p = 0.001). Combining four CRF (14% vs. 21% vs. 27% vs. 31% vs. 38%, p < 0.0001) and three GRF (21% vs. 25% vs. 32% vs. 44%, p < 0.0001) revealed additive effects on the prevalence of MI. The more combined CRF and GRF were present (from 0 to 7) the higher was the prevalence of MI (11% vs. 12% vs. 21% vs. 27% vs. 30% vs. 34% vs. 59%, p < 0.0001). Age was not associated with MI. In patients ≥ 65 years (n = 1490) the combination of CRF was only weakly associated with MI, while GRF were not. In these patients age was a predictor of MI. Conclusion Certain GRF might have additive but small effects on the disposition for MI before the age of 65. In older patients the tested GRF had no effect, possibly indicating a mechanism of aging rather than a purely genetic determined entity. Given the small effect of the tested genetic polymorphisms the value of testing GRF remains uncertain.