RGS5 rs4657251 polymorphism is associated with small vessel occlusion stroke in Taiwan Han Chinese

Background: The regulator of G-protein signaling protein 5 (RGS5) has been demonstrated to play a role in regulating blood pressure and cardiovascular function. Studies have shown that RGS5 polymorphisms exhibit susceptibility to hypertension. However, no study has yet been performed among stroke patients. Methods: To evaluate whether RGS5 rs4657251 is a susceptibility gene for stroke, we performed a case-control association study involving 714 large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) patients, 383 small vessel occlusion (SVO) patients, 401 hypertensive intracranial hemorrhages (HICH), and 626 controls. The RGS5 rs4657251 polymorphism was analyzed through polymerase chain reaction. Results: The TC genotype was significantly higher in the SVO group compared with that in the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.76, p = 0.035). In addition, the dominant phenotype (TC + CC vs TT) was also significantly different between the SVO and the control groups (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.01-1.70, p = 0.046). However, no association was found between RGS5 rs4657251 and LAA an HICH. After adjustment with gender, diabetes, smoking, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, RGS5 rs4657251 polymorphism remained an independent risk factor for SVO (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.12-1.98) but not for LAA or HICH. Conclusion: Our findings, obtained among Taiwan Han Chinese subjects, provide the first evidence that RGS5 rs4657251 polymorphism is an independent risk factor for SVO.