Human duffy blood group alloantigen system influences the measurement of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in serum but not in plasma

Abstract

Background: We explored whether the Asp42Gly polymorphism (rs12075) in the DARC gene represents a confounding factor in the interpretation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentration in circulating blood. Methods: MCP-1 concentration in serum and plasma were measured in 278 healthy Caucasian participants who are representative of our geographic area. The rs12075 genotype distribution was also assessed in this population. Results: Plasma MCP-1 concentration did not vary among the rs12075 polymorphism derived genotypes [in pg/mL, AA: 171.9 (100.2-287.2), AG: 178.9 (105.1-326.4) and GG: 173.7 (94.4-405.7)]. However, there were significant increases in serum MCP-1 related to the presence of the A allele [in pg/mL, AA: 334.6 (180.4-756.4), AG: 299.1 (166.1-634.9) and GG: 249.1 (149.3-578.1)]. Conclusions: These findings limit the value of circulating MCP-1 as a biomarker and apparently indicate a pathophysiological role for silent chemokine receptors.