The Asp299Gly Toll-like receptor 4 polymorphism in advanced aortic atherosclerosis.

Background: Recently, the common Asp299Gly polymorphism of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) was found to be associated with a reduced incidence of acute myocardial infarction and carotid atherosclerosis. As TLR-4 signalling is causally involved in atherogenesis, the polymorphism was postulated to impart protection from atherosclerosis. To explore a potential atheroprotective effect, we studied the association between the Asp299Gly polymorphism and atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients undergoing angiography for suspected renovascular disease.