Genetic variants within Ninjurin 2 gene are associated with risk of ischemic stroke in Iranian population

Previous genetic and epidemiological studies have shown the contribution of genetic factors in conferring the risk of ischemic stroke. Among the acknowledged risk factors of stroke are the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near Ninjurin 2 (NINJ2) gene which encodes a surface adhesion protein. In the current study, we investigated the role of two SNPs near this gene in ischemic stroke in Iranian population. The frequency of the A allele of the rs11833579 was significantly lower in cases compared with controls (OR (95% CI)=0.68 (0.54-0.86), adjusted P value=0.002). The rs11833579 was significantly associated with risk of stroke in co-dominant (AA vs. GG: OR (95% CI)=0.39 (0.23-0.66), adjusted P value=0.003) and recessive (OR (95% CI)=0.44 (0.27-0.72), adjusted P value=0.001) models. The rs3809263 was associated with risk of stroke in dominant model (OR (95% CI)=1.5 (1.09-2.06), adjusted P value=0.02). The A C haplotype (rs11833579 and rs3809263) decreased the risk of stroke (OR (95% CI)=0.72 (0.57-0.91), adjusted P value=0.03), while the G T haplotype conferred susceptibility to stroke (OR (95% CI)=1.42 (1.11-1.82), adjusted P value=0.02). Consequently, the present case-control study supports the role of NINJ2 as a risk locus for ischemic stroke in Iranian population.