CRP and IL-6 Genes Increase Risk of Stroke
Out of 26 genes believed to play a role in causing stroke, researchers at Duke University found two that appear to increase a person’s risk of having a stroke after heart surgery - the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes. (EurekAlert, August 25, 2005)
CRP is a protein released into the bloodstream as a natural reaction to infection, fever or other injury, while IL-6 is a protein that regulates the intensity of the immune response.
The CRP and IL-6 genes were associated with an increased risk of stroke in 1,635 patients enrolled in an ongoing Duke study on the role of genetics in cardiac surgery outcomes. Among the 588 patients who had both of the high risk polymorphisms found in the CRP and IL-6 genes, 3 percent suffered a stroke compared to 1 percent of patients without the higher risk, double-gene combination.
Researchers hope to develop genetic tests that can identify patients who are at higher risk of stroke after heart surgery so that they can be monitored more closely and receive appropriate preventive care.
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POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease
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