Gene predicts 4-fold increased stroke risk:

A genetic abnormality that affects how the body processes cholesterol may increase the risk of stroke in young adults four-fold, according to a US study published in Stroke (June). A genetic polymorphism at position 192 of a gene called PON1 increased the risk of stoke by a factor of 4.10, reported study leader Barbara Voetsch, of the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute at Boston University School of Medicine. The PON1 gene is involved in the production of the paraoxonase enzyme, which helps HDL cholesterol prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. The PON1 polymorphism hold potential screening marker for stroke risk, she said.