Association of Genetic Variability in Selected Genes with Platelet Hyperaggregability and Arterial Thrombosis

Introduction: Inherited platelet hyperaggregability, so called “Sticky platelet syndrome” (SPS), is a prothrombotic platelet disorder. The syndrome contributes more often to arterial than venous thrombosis. The most common localization of arterial occlusion involves cerebral or coronary arteries. However, SPS may also lead to thrombosis in the atypical sites of the circulation. This qualitative platelet alteration causes platelet hyperaggregability after a very low concentration of platelet inducers – adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and/or epinephrine (EPI). The precise genetic background of the syndrome has not been defined. In the present study we aimed to determine the association between selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within genes for platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) and murine retrovirus integration site 1 (MRVI1) and the risk for arterial thrombosis in patients with SPS. The products of these selected genes play an important role in platelet aggregation.