P21 CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ATHEROSCLEROTIC PHENOTYPE

Abstract

Background: Interaction between gentics and epigenetics has been largely described in Atherosclerotic Disease and the relations varies widely according to the population, clinical characteristics and the study type. Objective: Compare genetic and epigenetic factors in two middle age populations with and without plaques. Methods: A retrospective cohort study from a database of 6381 p. first ever Non Invasive Vascular Evaluations (NIVE) (IMT, plaques, PWV and Endothelial Function (EF)). We analyzed 1876 p. 40–45 y.o. (29.4%) and particularly 179 (2, 8%) without CV Drugs, 80 w/o (P−) and 99 with C-F plaques (P+). Results: The proportion of males (54 vs 76%), Family history + (42 vs 73%) and smokers (19 vs 30%) were higher in P+. IMT and EF were significantly abnormal but not PWV or CBP in P+. Conclusion: In a very selective sample of middle age patients, the genetic burden and the functional alterations seem to be closely related to the presence of aterosclerosis suggesting a pathogenetic predominace over epigenetic factors.