Linkage studies and genome-wide linkage analyses, which use polymorphic DNA markers throughout the genome, provide a useful method for identifying genes related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Many genome-wide linkage studies have contributed to identify quantitative genetic loci influencing variables involved in the pathogenesis of CVD. Meta-analyses of genetic studies provide the measure of association studies, so contributing to identify candidate genes which might influence the

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... ty to the disease. Really, candidate genes have been investigated, in relation to lipid metabolism (APOE), fibrinolytic proteins (PAI-1), renin-angiotensyn system (ACE) and homocysteine metabolism (MTH-FR). Recently, genome-wide panels of common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), based on the use of SNPs spread throughout the genome, are also becoming available. This approach contributes to finely investigate the gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in CVD, and to look for the involvement of genetic polymorphisms in drug response.