Association between Cx37 rs1764390 polymorphism and susceptibility to sepsis in Chinese population

In this study, we aimed to explore the possible relationship between a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1764390 in Cx37 and sepsis. We also investigated the difference of Cx37 expression in septic patients and healthy controls. A case-control study was performed in 215 septic patients and in 260 healthy controls. Genotyping of the rs1764390 polymorphism was performed by sequencing method. The expression of Cx37 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from septic patients and healthy controls was determined by real-time PCR and western-blotting. Plasma levels of NO, IL-6, and C reactive protein (CRP) were also detected in septic patients and healthy controls. The frequencies of GG genotype and the rs1764390 G allele were significantly higher in septic patients than in healthy controls. We also observed a decreased expression of Cx37 protein in septic patients compared to the healthy controls accompanied by increased plasma levels of NO, IL-6 and CRP. Furthermore, the carriers of rs1764390 G allele showed higher levels of NO, IL-6 and CRP in septic patients. The rs1764390 G allele is associated with increased susceptibility to sepsis, which may be involved in the process of sepsis via mediating the plasma levels of NO, IL-6 and CRP.