p53 codon 72 polymorphism and coronary artery disease: Evidence of interaction with ACP(1)

BACKGROUND: Common biological features between cancer and atherosclerosis suggest possible association of p53 with atherosclerotic diseases, but data on such a relationship are controversial, suggesting interactions with other variables. Acid phosphatase locus 1 (ACP(1)) is a polymorphic gene that controls the synthesis of an enzyme involved in important metabolic functions. Since ACP(1) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), we searched for possible interactions between this enzyme and p53 codon 72 polymorphism with regard to their effects on susceptibility to CAD. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study included 381 patients admitted to the hospital for cardiovascular disease (232 patients with CAD and 149 with other cardiovascular problems) and 97 healthy newborns. RESULTS: The proportion of subjects carrying the *Pro allele of p53 codon 72 and the high activity *B*C genotype of ACP(1) is higher in CAD (10.3%) than in non-CAD patients (2.0%) and in healthy newborns (6.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest an interaction between p53 codon 72 and ACP(1) wherein a positive effect of the p53 *Pro allele on susceptibility to CAD occurs, but only in the presence of the ACP(1) genotype characterized by high enzymatic activity.