(CA)n POLYMORPHISMS IN AN INTRON OF THE ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE GENE AND THEIR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

摘要

Provided is an in vitro screening method for determining the presence of atherosclerosis, preferably coronary artery disease or susceptibility to such a disease in a subject comprising determining the CA repeat number in an intron of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene in a sample from a subject, the number of the CA repeat being indicative of increased risk of coronary artery disease. Furthermore, the use of oligo- or polynucleotides for the detection of the presence of the CA repeat number in an intron of the eNOS gene and determining the risk of coronary artery disease in the subject is described. In addition, assay kits and apparatus adapted and useful for carrying out the method of the invention are provided.