Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute a major global health problem, being the leading cause of death. Several risk factors for CVDs have been identified, including tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. However, the role of genetic factors in CVDs remains unclear. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of CVDs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in genes involved in vitamin D metabolism (VDR, GC, CYP27B1, CYP2R1, and CYP24A1) on the risk of developing CVDs. A retrospective case-control study was conducted in 766 Caucasian individuals from southern Spain: 383 diagnosed with CVDs and 383 without cardiovascular complications, matched based on age and sex. The 13 SNPs were identified by real-time PCR using TaqMan™ probes at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital and the University of Granada. According to statistical analysis the allele G and genotype GG of the SNP CYP2R1 rs10741657 and the allele C and CC genotype of the SNP CYP27B1 rs3782130 are associated with a decreased risk of CVDs and diabetes in three of the five heritage models studied. Thus, it can be concluded that CYP2R1 rs10741657 and CYP27B1 rs3782130 could be used as risk biomarkers for CVDs in the future, although studies with a larger number of participants are needed.