C(-260)→T polymorphism in the promoter of the CD14 monocyte receptor gene as a risk factor for myocardial infarction

The CD14 receptor of monocytes is an important mediator for the activation of monocytes/macrophages by endotoxins from the envelope of Gram-negative bacteria (lipopolysaccharides). We identified a polymorphism in the CD14 receptor and examined whether this genetic marker influenced the expression of the CD14 receptor on monocytes and affected the predisposition to myocardial infarction. We identified a C(-260)-->T nucleotide change, creating a HaeIII polymorphism in the promoter of the CD14 gene. The polymorphism was determined in 178 male patients