Background: The present case-control study evaluated the association of PON1 gene polymorphisms and enzyme activity in the western Indian population. Materials & methods: Angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD) formed the cases. PON1 polymorphisms (Q192R, L55M) and enzymatic activity (paraoxonase) were assessed. Results: A total of 502 participants (251 per group) were studied. PON1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of CAD. Notably, a weak association was observed between Q192R polymorphisms and the risk of CAD. CAD patients had significantly lower PON1 enzymatic activity (U/L) as compared with the controls regardless of the genotype. Conclusion: Low serum PON1 activity was confirmed to be an independent predictor for the risk of CAD.
Keywords: atherosclerosis; paraoxonase; polymorphism.