C(−260)→T Polymorphism in the Promoter of the CD14 Monocyte Receptor Gene as a Risk Factor for Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

A higher frequency of allele T(-260) in the promoter of the CD14 receptor gene was found in myocardial infarction survivors than in controls. At the same time, this variation was associated with a higher density of CD14 receptors in healthy volunteers. Therefore, we can conclude that in addition to the well-established risk factors, a genetically determined reaction of monocytes/macrophages to infectious stimuli could play an important role in the process of atherosclerosis.