Circulating soluble E-selectin levels and the Ser 128Arg polymorphism in individuals from different ethnic groups

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Immunology

Background:

• A prior study linked the Ser128 Arg polymorphism in the E-selectin gene to coronary heart disease (CHD) in white individuals.
• The E-selectin gene plays a role in inflammatory processes relevant to vascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the E-selectin gene Ser128 Arg polymorphism and soluble E-selectin levels.
• To examine these associations in a multiethnic population.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping for the E-selectin Ser128 Arg polymorphism (A to C mutation) was performed.
• Plasma soluble E-selectin levels were measured.
• The study included healthy individuals of white, African, and South Asian origin.

Main Results:

• The A to C mutation frequency was significantly lower in individuals of African origin (3.7%) compared to white (9.6%) and South Asian (7.9%) individuals (p=0.005).
• No significant association was found between the E-selectin gene polymorphism and plasma soluble E-selectin levels across all ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

• The lower frequency of the Ser128 Arg polymorphism in people of African origin aligns with their lower CHD risk.
• The polymorphism is not associated with circulating soluble E-selectin levels.
• Further research is needed to determine if this polymorphism influences vascular disease risk through mechanisms other than soluble E-selectin levels, potentially involving leukocyte recruitment.