Effect of the interleukin-1B gene on serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels.

Objectives: To investigate the association of the +3953 IL-1B gene polymorphism in healthy subjects with serum oxidized LDL (oxLDL) levels.

Design And Methods: We selected 255 subjects who were non-smokers and who had no cardiovascular or other chronic degenerative diseases, and we measured the oxLDL and other glucose levels, lipid biomarkers and biological variables that are related to cardiovascular metabolism. The +3953 IL-1B gene polymorphism was determined using molecular genetics techniques (PCR-RFLP).

Results: A significant association among the +3953 IL-1B genotypes and the oxLDL level was observed. The TT genotype presented lower oxLDL levels than the other genotypes. A multivariate analysis showed that this result was independent of the sex, age, obesity and hypertension status of the subjects.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the IL-1B gene polymorphism affects the modulation of serum oxLDL levels.