Polymorphism in the human C-reactive protein (CRP) gene, plasma concentrations of CRP, and the risk of future arterial thrombosis

While increased concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with increased vascular risk, little information is available describing genetic determinants of this effect. In a large prospective cohort of apparently healthy men, we found plasma CRP concentrations to be significantly reduced among carriers of a 1059G/C polymorphism in the human CRP gene (GC or CC) as compared with non-carriers (GG). However, the polymorphism examined was not significantly associated with risk of arterial thrombosis despite the fact that CRP concentrations are a potent independent predictor of future vascular events in this cohort. These data suggest that genetic and environmental determinants each importantly contribute to the vascular risk associated with inflammation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.