Association of the ER22/23EK polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor gene with survival and C-reactive protein levels in elderly men.
OBJECTIVE
We recently demonstrated that a polymorphism in codons 22 and 23 of the glucocorticoid receptor gene is associated with relative glucocorticoid resistance, greater insulin sensitivity, and lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. In the present study, we investigated whether the ER22/23EK polymorphism is associated with survival, cholesterol levels, and two predictors of mortality: serum C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 levels.


METHODS
We studied 402 men (mean [+/- SD] age, 77.8 +/- 3.6 years). C-reactive protein was measured by a highly sensitive method using a latex-enhanced immunoephelometric assay. Interleukin 6 was determined by a commercially available immulite assay.


RESULTS
After a follow-up of 4 years, 73 (19%) of 381 noncarriers died, while none of the 21 ER22/23EK carriers had died (P = 0.03). C-reactive protein levels were about 50% lower in ER22/23EK carriers (P = 0.01). There were no differences in interleukin 6 levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Carriers of the ER22/23EK polymorphism have better survival than noncarriers, as well as lower C-reactive protein levels.
Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. e.vanrossum@erasmusmc.nl
Elisabeth F C
EF
van Rossum
Richard A
RA
Feelders
Annewieke W
AW
van den Beld
André G
AG
Uitterlinden
Joop A M J L
JA
Janssen
Wietske
W
Ester
Albert O
AO
Brinkmann
Diederick E
DE
Grobbee
Frank H
FH
de Jong
Huibert A P
HA
Pols
Jan W
JW
Koper
Steven W J
SW
Lamberts
D000368:Aged; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D003062:Codon; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000235:genetics*
D003062:Codon; D015850:Interleukin-6; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid; D002097:C-Reactive Protein