Willeit and colleagues analysed the impact of FSAP polymorphism on the evolution and progression of carotid stenosis. They used an ultrasound model of atherosclerosis progression which can differentiate early from advanced stages of vessel disease. 810 men and women between 40 and 79 years (from the so-called “Bruneck” study”) were studied. No correlation was found between FSAP-MI and early atherogenesis, but FSAP-MI appeared as a strong and independent risk predictor of incident/progressive carotid stenosis (multivariate odds ratio [95 %CI], 6,6 [1,.6 to 27.7]). The authors conclude, that the Marburg 1 polymorphism of FSAP (FSAP G511E) “… is a significant risk predictor for the evolution and progression of carotid stenosis.”

Title:
Marburg I polymorphism of factor VII-activating protease: a prominent risk predictor of carotid stenosis.

Authors and Source:
Willeit et al., Circulation. 2003 Feb 11;107(5):667-670.