The Association of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Gene Polymorphisms with Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Serum Levels and Risk of Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence shows that growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) plays an important role in the progression of ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the GDF-15 gene and IS susceptibility in the Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study subjects comprised 601 Chinese individuals, including 298 stroke patients and 303 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The polymorphisms were measured using snapshot single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays and confirmed by sequencing. Serum GDF-15 (sGDF-15) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS: The distribution of rs1804826G/T polymorphism was significant different between the 2 groups (P < .05). Compared with the rs1804826 G allele, the rs1804826 T allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of IS (P < .05). Haplotype analyses showed that the T-T-G haplotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of IS (odds ratio = 1.671, 95% confidence interval = 1.231-2.268; P = .001). Compared with the normal controls, the sGDF-15 levels were significantly increased in stroke patients (P < .001). Besides, patients carrying rs1804826 GT/TT genotypes had higher sGDF-15 levels compared with those carrying GG genotypes (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS: The GDF-15 gene rs1804826G/T polymorphism and sGDF-15 levels are associated with IS in the Chinese population. Our data indicate that the GDF-15 gene may play a role in the development of IS.