P2Y12 receptor gene polymorphism and antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary stenting.

Platelets have a central role in the pathophysiology of thrombosis. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) plays a pivotal role as an agonist of platelet activation. Genetic polymorphisms of the P2Y12 ADP receptor might influence the activation of this receptor by ADP or the response of patients to platelet inhibitors.