Background. High plasma levels of C-reactive protein (involved in unspecific host defence) have been described as independent risk factor of atherosclerosis. The possible association has been analysed between the CD14 C-159→T polymorphism and plasma level of CRP. Methods and Results.With the PCR and subsequent restriction analysis we have evaluated C-159→T polymorphism in the CD14 gene of 166 representatively selected male Caucasians with known plasma level of CRP. The CRP was measured immunologically. A significantly higher (p<0.01) frequency of the CD14-159TT homozygotes between the individuals with the plasma level of CRP > 2.19 mg/l (31.9 %, 15 out of 47) has been detected when compared to the group with plasma level of CRP lower than 2.18 mg/l (11.9 %, 5 out of 42). Conclusions. CD14 C-159→T polymorphism could be the first described genetic marker associated with plasma level of C-reactive protein.

        Key words: CD14 receptor, polymorphism, C-reactive protein.