The distribution and potential significance of lipopolysaccharide binding protein and CD14 gene polymorphism

Objective To determine the possible mechanism of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) Leu436→Phe and CD14 C-159T genetic polymorphism in terms of the influence of LBP Leu436→Phe genetic polymorphism on lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14 gene expression as well as protein release, and the potential regulating eftect of CD14 C-159T on LBP levels. Methods The study group consisted of 118 healthy blood donors and 26 patients with burns covering more than 30% of total body surface area. The LBP and CD14 genetic polymorphisms were detected by restriction-fragment length polymorphism analysis. Meanwhile, the CD14 mRNA expression, soluble CD14 (sCD14) and LBP levels were determined with ELISA methods. Results LBP Leu436→Phe had no marked influence on CD14 mRNA expression as well as CD14 levels (all P0.05), and the genotype of CD14 at position -159 site was not related to LBP levels in in vitro whole blood culture with or without lipopolysaccharide stimulation (100 μg/L for 12 h). However, in patients with burns covering more than 30% of total body surface area, TT genotype showed significantly higher LBP levels than CC homozygotes on days 3 and 21 post burn (P0.05).Conclusion CD14C-159T polymorphism might affect LBP production indirectly through the action of cytokines, which appears to be associated with the poor outcome of patients with major burns.