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Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: BACKGROUND, RESULTS. Meshes: African Americans, Alleles, Case-Control Studies, European Continental Ancestry Group, Female, Gene Frequency, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genetic Variation, Heme Oxygenase-1, Humans, Logistic Models, Male, Microsatellite Repeats, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Venous Thromboembolism.
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Is increased risk of venous thromboembolism associated with genetic variation in heme oxygenase-1 in Blacks? Context: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) affects as many as 1 in 1000 individuals in the United States. Although Blacks are disproportionately affected by VTE, few genetic risk factors have been identified in this population. The inducible heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) gene encodes a key cytoprotective enzyme with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulant activity acting in the vascular system. A (GT)(n) microsatellite located in the promoter of the HMOX1 gene influences the level of response. Using the Genetic Attributes and Thrombosis Epidemiology (GATE) study, we examined the association between HMOX1 repeat length and VTE events in 883 Black and 927 White patients and matched controls. We found no association between HMOX1 genotypes and VTE in Whites. However, in Black patients, carrying two long (L) alleles (≥ 34 repeats) was significantly associated with provoked (odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-2.90) or recurrent (OR 3.13, 95% CI: 1.77-5.53) VTE events.
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We have demonstrated for the first time an association between genetic variation in HMOX1, and VTE in Blacks. Our results support a key role for the heme oxygenase system in protecting patients at increased risk for thrombosis and suggest a potential mechanism for targeted screening and intervention. Final Decision: yes