OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between polymorphism at position -511C/T in the promoter region of interleukin 1B (IL1B) and the severity of coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODSThe polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was applied to analyze the polymorphisms of IL1B -511C/T in 127 patients with CHD and 152 controls. And the serum level of lipoproteins was detected by enzymology method.

RESULTSThe distribution of IL1B -511C/T polymorphism between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and controls was significantly different (chi-square test=5.72, P<0.01). CT and TT genotype carriers were in increased risk of ACS with more double ratio to CC genotype (OR=2.56, 95%CI=1.17-5.59). In CHD group, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels of patients with CT and TT genotypes (6.09+/-0.97 mmol/L and 3.97+/-0.92 mmol/L) were significantly higher than those of patients with CC genotype (5.12+/-0.56 mmol/L and 2.87+/-0.71 mmol/L, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphism at position -511C/T in IL1B is associated with the severity of CHD, and the DNA variation at this position may affect the secretion of IL1B, and aggravate the reaction of inflammation and dyslipoidemia.