CD36 gene polymorphism and plasma sCD36 as the risk factor in higher cholesterolemia.

Introduction The receptor CD36 has been reported to play an important role in atherogenicity. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the relationship between CD36 gene polymorphisms or the plasma concentration of sCD36 and clinical or biochemical parameters in children. Patients and methods The study groups comprised Caucasian children with and without hypercholesterolemia. The alterations in the CD36 gene were detected by DHPLC and the plasma concentrations of sCD36 were measured by ELISA. Results The data presented suggest that the IVS4-10A allele of CD36 (rs3211892) is associated with a lower risk of hypercholesterolemia. We observed a negative correlation of the sCD36 concentration with uric acid and insulin concentrations, the HOMA-IR ratio, weight, waist and hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist–hip ratio and mean arterial pressure ratio, but a positive correlation with HDL cholesterol and ApoA1 concentrations. Female gender was a significant independent predictor of a higher plasma sCD36 concentration. Conclusions The data presented suggest a possible protective effect of a higher sCD36 concentration in relation to metabolic syndrome components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]