Cardiovascular Journal of Africa

Identification of genetic risk variants in PCSK9 gene and its association with myocardial infarction in Pakistani Pashtun population

Naveed Rahman, Asif Jan, Rani Akbar, Aftabullah, Gamal A. Shazly, Tahir Muhammad, Mohammed Bourhia, Syed Shaukat Ali, Mashal Khattak
Abstract
Objective: Substantial advancements have been made in the identification of genetic risk variants associated with myocardial infarction (MI), predominantly within developed nations. The limited representation of the Pakistani population in genetic studiesmotivated us to design this study. The objective of this study is to identify the genetic variants within the PCSK9 gene and its possible association with myocardial infarction (MI) in Pakistani Pashtun population.
Methods: Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed to pinpoint and propose pathogenic Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with MI. Subsequent, MassARRAY genotyping and rigorous statistical analyses were used to confirm the association of WES reported variants with MI.
Results: Exome sequencing identified n=5 SNPs in PCSK9. Of the five reported variants, SNPs rs2483205 (OR = 1.429, 95% CI = 0.925-2.207, p = 0.061) and rs562556 (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.274 4.906, p = 0.001) showed strong positive association with myocardial infarction (MI). Whereas SNPs rs540796, rs509504, and rs505151 (p > 0.05) showed no association with MI in the study population. Genotypic distribution of SNPs rs562556 and rs2483205 were reported significant different between MI cases and controls (p < 0.05). Moreover recessive model (TT + CT versus CC) for rs2483205 and the dominant model (GG + AG versus AA) for rs562556 demonstrated strong associations with MI.
Conclusion: The present study identified potential genetic markers increasing susceptibility/risk of MI in the study population. Our study provides a platform for future large scale genetic studies and identifying individuals who at risk of developing MI. The present study emphasise the development of treatments strategies based on genetic make- up of individual.
Keywords: Risk Variants, Association, Myocardial Infarction, Pashtun, Pakistan
Submitted: November 1, 2024; Accepted: February 6, 2025; Published: June 30, 2025
Cardiovasc J Afr 2025; 36: 89-95
Volume 36, Issue 2
DOI Citation Reference: dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2025-005
Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
Naveed Rahman Aftabullah Mashal Khattak

Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan; District Headquarter Hospital (DHQH) Charsadda, Charsadda 24430, Pakistan
Asif Jan

Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
Rani Akbar

Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Gamal A. Shazly

Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development (MIND) Lab, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto 43964, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto 43964, ON, Canada
Tahir Muhammad

Laboratory of Biotechnology and Natural Resources Valorization, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, 80060, Agadir, Morocco
Mohammed Bourhia

Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Pakistan
Syed Shaukat Ali

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