The androgen receptor gene CAG polymorphism is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in men

Summary objective The role of androgens in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. The length of the polyglutamine stretch of the transactivation domain (CAG repeat) of the androgen receptor (AR) inversely affects androgen activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this polymorphism of the AR gene in the extent of CAD in male patients. design and patients The relationship of the length of the AR gene CAG repeat on the severity of CAD was examined in 131 men (36–86 years old) undergoing coronary angiography. measurements The severity of CAD was assessed by the number (0–3) of coronary vessels with > 50% reduction in the luminal diameter. The interaction of the AR gene polymorphism with the intima media thickness (IMT) of peripheral arteries and serum levels of sex steroids, insulin and biochemical parameters were also studied. results The upper quartile of CAG length (range 9–30) was ≥ 23 repeats (longAR). The mean body mass index (BMI) of patients with shorter repeats (