CD14 gene −260 C/T polymorphism is associated with chronic heart failure

Abstract

Background Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) show inflammatory changes and elevated plasma levels of TNFα and endotoxins. However, the role of the CD14 C(− 260)T polymorphism in patients with CHF is unclear. Therefore, we sought to determine whether the C = > T promoter polymorphism (position − 260) of the CD 14 gene is associated with a higher risk for the development of CHF. Methods We studied 100 patients with CHF (mean age 62 ± 3 years, LVEF 28 ± 8%) and 100 healthy controls (59 ± 10 years, p = NS; LVEF 60 ± 4%, p < 0.05). CD14 genotyping was performed using a PCR-RFLP technique. Results Among CHF patients, the frequency of the T allele was lower (38% vs. 48%, p < 0.05) and the frequency of the C allele higher (62 % vs. 52 %, p < 0.05) than among controls. The distribution of CD14 genotypes in healthy controls was as follows: CC 32%, CT 40%, and TT 28%. Among CHF patients, the TT genotype was significantly underrepresented compared to controls: CC 38%, CT 48%, and TT 14% ( p < 0.05). Conclusions The C − 260T polymorphism of CD14 seems to influence the susceptibility for the development of CHF. The T allele is less frequent among CHF patients than among controls. The TT genotype could be a new genetic protective factor against the development of CHF.