Functional Genetic Variants of PPARγ and PPARα Encoding Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Susceptibility to Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Population

Background: PPARγ and PPARα belong to a receptor family of ligand-activated transcription factors involved in the regulation of inflammation, cellular glucose uptake, protection against atherosclerosis and endothelial cell function. Through these effects, they might be involved with the ischemic stroke (IS). Methods: One thousand two hundred ninety-six subjects from the Chinese Han Population were chosen to assess the nature of the functional polymorphisms of PPARs and any links with IS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between PPARγ and PPARα genotypes and a diagnosis of IS. Results: Pro/Ala carriage may be associated with the decreased risk of IS in Hans (OR 0.542, 95% CI 0.346-0.850). The 162Val allele frequency at the DNA-binding region of PPARα was extremely rare in Chinese Han population. Conclusions: PPARγ 12Pro/Ala resulting in an amino acid exchange in N-terminal sequence may be an independent protective factor for IS in the Chinese Han population. However, more populations are warranted to validate our findings.