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. 2021 Feb 2;35(2):193-204.
doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000002738.

Genome-wide association study of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and interleukin-6 levels in multiethnic HIV+ cohorts

Brad T Sherman  1 , Xiaojun Hu  1 , Kanal Singh  2 , Lillian Haine  3 , Adam W Rupert  4 , James D Neaton  3 , Jens D Lundgren  5 , Tomozumi Imamichi  1 , Weizhong Chang  1 , H Clifford Lane  2 ; ESPRIT, SMART and START Study Groups
Affiliations

Genome-wide association study of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and interleukin-6 levels in multiethnic HIV+ cohorts

Brad T Sherman et al. AIDS. .

Abstract

Objectives: Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are associated with increased incidence of comorbid disease and mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Prior studies suggest a genetic basis for these biomarker elevations in the general population. The study objectives are to identify the genetic basis for these biomarkers among PLWH.

Methods: Baseline levels of hsCRP, D-dimer, and IL-6, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined for 7768 participants in three HIV treatment trials. Single variant analysis was performed for each biomarker on samples from each of three ethnic groups [African (AFR), Admixed American (AMR), European (EUR)] within each trial including covariates relevant to biomarker levels. For each ethnic group, the results were pooled across trials, then further pooled across ethnicities.

Results: The transethnic analysis identified three, two, and one known loci associated with hsCRP, D-dimer, and IL-6 levels, respectively, and two novel loci, FGB and GCNT1, associated with D-dimer levels. Lead SNPs exhibited similar effects across ethnicities. Additionally, three novel, ethnic-specific loci were identified: CATSPERG associated with D-dimer in AFR and PROX1-AS1 and TRAPPC9 associated with IL-6 in AFR and AMR, respectively.

Conclusion: Eleven loci associated with three biomarker levels were identified in PLWH from the three studies including six loci known in the general population and five novel loci associated with D-dimer and IL-6 levels. These findings support the hypothesis that host genetics may partially contribute to chronic inflammation in PLWH and help to identify potential targets for intervention of serious non-AIDS complications.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Analysis workflow.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of biomarker and HIV clinic treatment relevant measurements.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Quantile--quantile plot and genomic control inflation factor (λgc) for genome-wide association studies analysis of transethnic and individual ethnic group.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Manhattan plots of transethnic meta-analyses results for genetic associations with three biomarkers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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