The ClC-Kb Chloride Channel Gene Polymorphism, Ischaemic Stroke and Hypertension

ABSTRACT

Stroke is a polygenic disorder. Previous genetic studies focused on candidate genes influencing pathogenic processes, with little emphasis on genes influencing vascular risk factors. Previous research linked the ClC-Kb^T481S polymorphism to blood pressure (BP). We therefore undertook an association study to determine the relevance of this polymorphism to stroke, particularly lacunar stroke, given its strong correlation with hypertension. We genotyped DNA from 180 patients with acute ischaemic stroke (44 having lacunar stroke) and 298 age- and gender-matched controls using a sequence- specific polymerase chain reaction method (SS-PCR). We found no association between the ClC-Kb^T481S polymorphism and ischaemic stroke (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.87, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.57-1.33). Stratification for stroke subtype did not alter this finding. This polymorphism showed a borderline association with history of hypertension (p=0.06) but was not associated with systolic or diastolic BP (p>0.05). To our knowledge there are no other studies published on this polymorphism and stroke.