Background: CD14 receptor is at the crossroads between infection and inflammation. Present on the myeloid cell surface, it binds lipopolysaccharides and induces a release of cytokines whose deleterious effects on the arterial wall have been documented. Present as soluble protein (sCD14), its blood concentration increases in response to bacterial invasion and partly inhibits response to lipopolysaccharide of macrophages. In humans, soluble CD14 has been associated with aortic stfffness.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse in a large population-based sample the relationship of sCD14 with aortic stiffness using a Mendelian randomization approach.

Methods: 1015 subjects randomly selected from the polling lists, were recruited by the Toulouse MONICA center. After fasting, blood sample was drawn, blood pressure and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity were successively measured in supine position. sCD14 was measured using an immuno-enzymatic method. A genotypic examination for the CD14 C260T polymorphism was performed.

Results: An increase in sCD14 expression was observed in subjects carrying t allele (p<0.001). No significant difference in intima-media thickness, number of plaques and pulse wave velocity was noticed according to C260T polymorphism. An interaction was observed between C260T polymorphism and current smoking in sCD14 expression: among smokers, no significant change in sCD14 was observed in individuals carrying t allele.

Conclusion: This large population–based study does not support the causative nature of the link observed between soluble CD14 and aortic stiffness.