A polymorphism in the resistin gene promoter is related to increased C-reactive protein levels in patients with coronary artery disease

Background: Resistin, a novel adipocyte-derived peptide, has been linked to inflammatory process and coronary artery disease (CAD). The -420C > G polymorphism located in the resistin gene (RETN) promoter has recently been suggested to play a potential role in proinflammatory conditions (e.g., atherogenesis). However, whether this polymorphism has any effect on the inflammatory process in patients with stable CAD is unclear. Methods: The RETN -420C > G polymorphism was determined by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma lipid profiles, glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured in fasting state. Results: Patients with variant genotypes (CG+GG) had significantly higher levels of hs-CRP than CC carriers (adjusted p < 0.001). In addition, the variant genotypes were observed to be independently associated with higher hs-CRP levels (> 3 mg/L, p=0.004). However, no association was found between this polymorphism and plasma lipids or glucose levels. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the RETN -420C-to-G variant is associated with increased CRP levels in patients with stable CAD, suggesting that the RETN -420C > G polymorphism may be potentially involved in the inflammatory component of atherogenesis through an enhanced production of CRP.