CD14 (C-159→T) Polymorphism and Levels of C-reactive Protein

Overview

Background.
High plasma levels of C-reactive protein (involved in unspecific host defence) have been described asindependent risk factor of atherosclerosis. The possible association has been analysed between the CD14 C-159→Tpolymorphism and plasma level of CRP.Methods and Results.With the PCR and subsequent restriction analysis we have evaluated C-159→T polymorphismin the CD14 gene of 166 representatively selected male Caucasians with known plasma level of CRP. The CRP wasmeasured immunologically. A significantly higher (p 2.19 mg/l (31.9 %, 15 out of 47) has been detected when comparedto the group with plasma level of CRP lower than 2.18 mg/l (11.9 %, 5 out of 42).Conclusions. CD14 C-159→T polymorphism could be the first described genetic marker associated with plasmalevel of C-reactive protein.

Key words:
CD14 receptor, polymorphism, C-reactive protein.