Variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein Ib alpha in Chinese people and CC genotype with aspirin sensitivity in patients with cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib alpha in a Chinese Han population and to determine the relationship between VNTR polymorphisms and aspirin resistance.

METHODS

Three hundred healthy individuals and 110 patients with cerebral infarction volunteered to participate in this study. The genotype status of all participants was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Platelet aggregation in patients with cerebral infarction receiving aspirin (100 mg/day) for at least 7 days, was measured by optical transmission aggregometry.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Only three alleles of GP Ib alpha, namely, B, C and D, were found. Type A was not found in the Chinese Han participants. Aspirin-sensitive patients were significantly more often of CC genotype than aspirin-semi-responders.

CONCLUSIONS

Only three types of alleles B, C and D were detected in the north-eastern region of China. The CC genotype of the VTNR polymorphism in GPIb appears to be more sensitive to the inhibitory action of low-dose aspirin.