Gene Increases Stroke Risk

Ivanhoe Newswire
Tuesday, March 27, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- For some people, its their genes, not clogged arteries, increasing their risk of having a stroke.

Researchers followed 9,178 people in Denmark for 24 years. During that time, 393 people in the study had a stroke and 504 developed cerebrovascular disease, or blockages or other problems in the brain's blood vessels. Participants were screened for the H63D genetic defect in the HFE gene, also known as the hemochromatosis gene -- one of the most common genetic defects passed on through families, especially in Europe. Hemochromatosis causes iron overload in the body, which can lead to organ dysfunction, diabetes and liver cirrhosis.

Researchers found people who have two copies of the H63D genetic defect are two- to three-times more likely to have a stroke than those who do not have the gene. This type of gene has already been associated with brain diseases like Alzheimers, Parkinsons and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Results show the gene is not associated with carotid atherosclerosis -- hardening of the arteries in the head and neck through plaque build-up.

Study authors write more research is needed to determine why this gene appears to cause such a significant increased risk of stroke.

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SOURCE: NEUROLOGY, 2007;68:1025