Effect of the CD14 promoter polymorphism on liver function tests and its association with alcohol and obesity.

Objective: To investigate the effect of the functional CD14 promoter polymorphism on serum liver function tests and abnormally elevated liver function tests in a general population sample.

Methods: We recruited 310 subjects at random from general practitioner lists in Surrey. A previously validated medical questionnaire was completed and a serum sample provided for estimation of liver function test and genotyping of CD14 promoter polymorphism.

Results: The TT polymorphism was associated with significantly reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.26-0.93), gamma-glutamyl transferase 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.38-0.89) and aspartate aminotransferase 0.48 (95% confidence interval 10.38-0.89). The TT polymorphism was associated with a reduced frequency of liver function test abnormalities, especially gamma-glutamyl transferase (odds ratio 0.113; 0.015-0.851).

Conclusion: The TT promoter polymorphism was associated with reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase in healthy patients, and a low level of liver function test abnormalities. The relationship with gamma-glutamyl transferase stands after correction for age, gender, obesity and alcohol consumption. This raises the possibility that this genotype may offer protection from the development of fatty liver disease.