A Common Mutation of the Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Gene Is A Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease

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Abstract
Abstract —Insulin resistance is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis. Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) plays a key role in tissue insulin sensitivity. A common mutation (G972R) of the IRS-1 gene has been shown to impair IRS-1 function, and it has been associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and lipid abnormalities. This led us to investigate the role of the G972R mutation in predisposing individuals to coronary artery disease (CAD). The DNA of 318 subjects with angiographically documented coronary atherosclerosis (>50% stenosis) and 208 population control subjects was analyzed for the presence of the G972R mutation. This mutation was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction and Bst NI restriction enzyme digestion. The frequency of the G972R mutation was significantly higher among patients with CAD than controls (18.9% versus 6.8%, respectively; P P P P P P P <0.001) higher among carriers than noncarriers, although to lesser a extent. These effects were independent of CAD status. The G972R mutation in the IRS-1 gene was found to be a significant independent predictor of CAD. Moreover, this mutation greatly increased the risk of CAD in obese subjects and in patients with the cluster of abnormalities of insulin resistance syndrome. Besides the increased frequency of diabetes, carriers showed a more atherogenic lipid profile, suggesting a potential role of the IRS-1 gene in the pathogenesis of lipid abnormalities associated with CAD.