OBJECTIVEThe alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRA2A) polymorphism in individuals modifies the antiplatelet response to sympathetic stimulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ADRA2A variants on platelet reactivity in Chinese patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODSFrom March 2011 to March 2013, 1,024 patients were enrolled in this prospective, single-center, observational study in China. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADRA2A gene (rs11195419, rs3750625, rs13306146, and rs553668) and CYP2C19*2 were detected by ligase detection reaction (LDR), and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) inhibition was detected by thromboelastography (TEG®).

RESULTSThe minor allele frequencies of ADRA2A SNPs were common. Platelet ADP inhibition was significantly different among patients carrying rs11195419 (adjusted P = 0.022) and rs3750625 (adjusted P = 0.016). The homozygous allele carriers had the lowest ADP inhibition. However, ADP inhibition was not significantly different in rs553668 and rs13306146. At the multivariate analysis, rs11195419 (P = 0.033), rs3750625 (P = 0.020) and CYP2C19*2 (P = 0.002) were independent predictors of ADP inhibition. Subgroups analysis based on sex showed rs11195419 (P = 0.003) and rs3750625 (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with ADP inhibition in males, but not in females.

CONCLUSIONADRA2A genetic variations were associated with ADP-induced platelet aggregation during DAPT in Chinese patients undergoing PCI, and the effect was particularly more pronounced in males.