Gene Variant Connected To Risk Of Stroke and Heart Attack For Those On Plavix
Posted on: Tuesday, 25 August 2009, 15:28 CDT
A new study reports that a gene variant carried by about a third of the population plays a major role in this group's response to an anti-clotting medicine, clopidogrel (Plavix). People with the variant produce a defective version of the CYP2C19 enzyme and are less able to activate the drug.One of the world's best-selling medicines, Plavix prevents blood clots in people with heart disease by keeping platelets from sticking together . But about 30 percent of people respond poorly to the drug and are at increased risk for dangerous events like strokes and heart attacks.
By performing a sophisticated method called a genome-wide association study in two distinct populations, Pennsylvania Amish and residents of urban Baltimore, the researchers found that a common variant of the CYP2C19 gene is a key determinant of how people respond to Plavix. The CYP2C19 enzyme chemically modifies the drug inside the body, converting it to the active form.
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NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences
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