Polymorphisms in the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in patients with myocardial infarction.

Gram-negative bacterial infection, namely Chlamydia pneumoniae has been recently discussed as a risk factor for myocardial infarction. The lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) play a role in the processes leading to recognition and neutralisation of the Chlamydia pneumoniae and their endotoxins lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS interact with plasma LBP, and LBP-LPS complex activates monocytes/macrophages, which can influence the atherosclerotic process. BPI is cytotoxic for Gram-negative bacteria and BPI-LPS complexes do not activate monocytes. We have analysed the polymorphisms in the LBP gene (Gly98-->Cys; Pro436-->Leu) and BPI gene (Lys216-->Glu; PstI polymorphism in intron-5; G545-->C) in 313 patients after myocardial infarction (MI) and in 302 control individuals. Genotype frequencies in the LBP gene and BPI gene did not differ between MI patients and control individuals. Our findings suggest that LBP and BPI polymorphisms do not influence the risk of MI.