[Study on the association of the CRP gene +1444C/T polymorphism with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis].

Objective: To investigate the potential association of the C-reactive protein (CRP) gene +1444C/T polymorphism with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Methods: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the detection of CRP +1444C/T genotypes in 192 patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and 197 healthy controls. Serum high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP) levels were measured by routine method.

Results: No TT genotype was detected in this study. Patients with >70% stenosis had higher CC genotype compared with those with <70% stenosis after adjusting for major cerebrovascular risk factors (OR: 2.958; 95% CI: 1.198 - 7.305; P=0.019). CRP levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Subgroup analysis according to clinical characteristics (single or double stenosis; >70% or <70% stenosis) did not show difference in CRP levels. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of CT genotype between patients and controls, or between single and double stenosis (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The CRP +1444 CC genotype is a risk factor for >70% carotid artery stenosis. The serum CRP level is associated with the presence of carotid stenosis. However, it is not associated with the number and severity of stenosis.