Polymorphisms of elastin and collagen type I α2 genes and intracranial aneurysm rupture

Intracranial aneurysms are mainly caused by the local arterial wall defects and the increased intraluminal pressure. Usually, the unruptured small aneurysms are asymptomatic, and the ruptured aneurysms can cause subarachnoid hemorrhage. So far, the etiology and pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms are not fully understood. A lot of evidence has showed that intracranial aneurysms are a complex disease of environmental factors and multi-gene interaction. This article reviews the correlation between polymorphisms of elastin and collagen type Ⅰ α2 genes and intracranial aneurysm. Key words: Intracranial Aneurysm; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Polymorphism, Genetic; Elastin; Collagen Type Ⅰ