Effects of toll-like receptor-4 gene polymorphisms on soluble P-selectin and von Willebrand factor levels in hypercholesterolemic patients

Thromb Haemost. 2007 Sep;98(3):642-6.

Abstract

Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) gene polymorphisms have been associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis. High levels of soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) and von Willebrand factor predict an increased risk for cardiovascular events and correlate to atherosclerotic risk factors. The relationship between these markers and TLR-4 gene polymorphisms was evaluated in a cohort of consecutive hypercholesterolemic outpatients. TLR-4 gene polymorphisms were detected in 48 out of 330 (14%) patients with hypercholesterolemia. Lipid and inflammatory markers, sP-selectin and von Willebrand were evaluated in carriers and in 96 (ratio 2:1 to cases) age- and sex-matched TLR-4 wild-type patients randomly selected from the same population. A cohort of normocholesterolemic outpatients (n = 262) served as the control group. sP-selectin was sensibly lower in carriers of TLR-4 variants as compared to wild-types and controls (89 ng/ml vs. 162 ng/ml and 163 ng/dl, respectively, p = 0.0001). Similarly, carriers showed lower von Willebrand factor values (683 mU/ml) than wild-types (910 mU/ml; p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, TLR-4 gene polymorphisms were positively associated with sP-selectin, whereas the relationship with von Willebrand factor was no longer significant. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors reduced sP-selectin and von Willebrand factor levels independently of TLR-4 gene variants. Plasma concentrations of these markers, however, remained lower in carriers of TLR-4 gene polymorphisms even after cholesterol lowering. In conclusion, carriership of Asp299 and Thr399Ile TLR-4 gene polymorphisms is associated with lower levels of sP-selectin and von Willebrand factor among hypercholesterolemic patients. While the underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated, such an association may indicate a protective effect of TLR-4 variants for atherosclerosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atherosclerosis / blood
  • Atherosclerosis / genetics*
  • Atherosclerosis / prevention & control
  • Atorvastatin
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Heptanoic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / blood
  • Hypercholesterolemia / complications
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy
  • Hypercholesterolemia / genetics*
  • Lipids / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • P-Selectin / blood*
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use*
  • Risk Factors
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / genetics*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • von Willebrand Factor / metabolism*

Substances

  • Heptanoic Acids
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Lipids
  • P-Selectin
  • Pyrroles
  • TLR4 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • von Willebrand Factor
  • Atorvastatin