C-reactive protein gene polymorphism 1009A>G is associated with serum CRP levels in Chinese men: a TCVGHAGE study
Wayne H-H Sheu1, Yii-Der I Chen, Chen-Yuan Yu
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. whhsheu@vghtc.gov.tw
Insights
Genetic variants in the C-reactive protein (CRP) gene, specifically the 1009A>G polymorphism, are linked to lower CRP levels in Chinese men. This suggests a genetic influence on inflammation markers relevant to cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- While low-grade inflammation is a suspected cause, studies indicate genetic factors influence serum CRP concentrations.
- The genetic basis of CRP levels is relevant across diverse ethnic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific CRP gene variants and fasting hs-CRP concentrations.
- To determine if genetic polymorphisms in the CRP gene influence hs-CRP levels in a cohort of Chinese men.
Main Methods:
- Fasting hs-CRP concentrations were measured in 369 Chinese men.
- Six polymorphisms within the CRP gene were analyzed using PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing.
- Polymorphisms included 969T>C, 1009A>G, 1440C>A>T, 2667G>C, 3872A>G, and 5992T>A.
Main Results:
- The CRP 1009A>G polymorphism showed a significant association with fasting hs-CRP concentrations in participants within the 5th to 95th percentile (n=328).
- Individuals with GG genotypes had lower hs-CRP levels (0.072+/-0.062 mg/dl) compared to AG or AA genotypes (0.176+/-0.166 and 0.166+/-0.185 mg/dl, respectively).
- Haplotypes carrying the 1009G allele were associated with the lowest CRP concentrations (P=0.05).
Conclusions:
- CRP gene genotypes, specifically the 1009A>G polymorphism, are associated with reduced fasting hs-CRP concentrations.
- Associated haplotypes also correlate with lower hs-CRP levels in elderly Chinese men.
- These findings highlight the role of genetic variation in CRP levels and potential cardiovascular risk stratification.
Background:
Increased concentrations of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This increase might be caused by low-grade inflammation, but a number of studies have suggested that serum CRP concentrations are under genetic control. Since the relation between CRP concentration and cardiovascular diseases occurs across ethnicities, we determined whether CRP gene variants affect fasting hs-CRP concentrations in a cohort of Chinese men.
Methods:
High-sensitivity CRP concentrations were measured in 369 Chinese men. Six polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and direct sequencing within the CRP gene: 969T>C, 1009A>G, and a 3-allele polymorphism 1440C>A>T in the 5' UTR (promoter region), 2667G>C in exon 2, and 3872A>G and 5992T>A in the 3' UTR.
Results:
In a group of participants (n=328) whose fasting serum hs-CRP concentrations were within the 5th to 95th percentile, we found that the genetic polymorphism 1009A>G was significantly associated with fasting serum hs-CRP concentrations (GG vs. AG or AA genotypes, CRP concentrations 0.072+/-0.062 vs. 0.176+/-0.166 and 0.166+/-0.185 mg/dl, mean+/-S.D., both P=0.023). Furthermore, subjects carrying the 1009G bearing haplotype exhibited the lowest CRP concentrations (P=0.05).
Conclusion:
The CRP 1009A>G genotypes and associated haplotypes were associated with lower fasting serum hs-CRP concentrations in a group of elderly Chinese men.
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