Genetic variants in cardiac calcification in Northern Sweden

Extensive coronary calcification without significant stenosis, described as calcific coronary artery disease (CCAD) may cause abnormal myocardial perfusion and hence generalized ischemia. There is a discrepancy in the expression pattern of CCAD compared to the well-known atherosclerotic disease which raises questions about the exact pathophysiology of coronary calcification and whether there is a genetic etiology for it. In this pilot study we studied 3 candidate genes, ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (ENPP1), ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 6 (ABCC6), and 5’-Nucleotidase Ecto (NT5E) involved in pyrophosphate (PP(i)) and inorganic phosphate (P(i)) metabolism, which may predispose to coronary arterial or valvular calcification. We studied 70 patients with calcific cardiac disease; 65 with CCAD (age 43–83 years) and 5 with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) (age 76–82 years). Five DNA variants potentially affecting protein function were found in 6 patients. One variant is a known disease-causing mutation in the ABCC6 gene. Our findings support that disturbances in the PP(i) and P(i) metabolism might influence the development of CCAD and CAVD. However, segregation in the families must first be performed to ascertain any damaging effect of these variants we have found. We report 4 new genetic variants potentially related to coronary calcification, through the disturbed P(i) and PP(i) metabolism. The search for direct causative genetic variants in coronary artery and aortic valve calcification must be broadened with other genes particularly those involved with P(i) and PP(i) metabolism.