Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
globally, including in Iran. Genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the haptoglobin (Hp)
gene, may influence susceptibility to CAD. The two main alleles of the Hp gene Hp1 and
Hp2 produce three genotypes (Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2), each with different antioxidant
and inflammatory profiles. This study aims to investigate the association between Hp1 and
Hp2 alleles and the risk of CAD in the population of Bushehr, a coastal city in southern Iran.
A case-control study was conducted involving patients diagnosed with CAD and age- and
sex-matched healthy controls from Bushehr. Genotyping of Hp alleles was performed using
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The frequency of Hp genotypes was compared
between groups, chi square and logistic regression was used to evaluate the association
between specific Hp alleles and CAD risk, adjusting for age and gender. Preliminary findings
indicate that the Hp1-2 genotype was significantly more frequent among healthy controls
compared to CAD patients, suggesting a protective role. Statistical analysis demonstrated
that individuals carrying the Hp1-2 genotype had a notably reduced risk of developing CAD,
particularly among older males. The association remained significant after adjusting for age,
gender, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This study provides evidence that the Hp1-
2 genotype is associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease in the Iranian
population of Bushehr, especially among older males. The findings support the protective
role of the Hp1 allele, likely due to its superior antioxidant properties. These results
underscore the importance of genetic factors in CAD susceptibility and highlight the potential
value of incorporating Hp genotyping into personalized cardiovascular risk assessment.
Further large-scale and multi-ethnic studies are recommended to confirm these associations
and explore the underlying mechani