Association of Polymorphism in the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Gene with Circulating RAGE Levels

Objective: The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)-ligand interaction has been linked to vascular complications. The family of soluble forms of RAGE (sRAGE) consists of splice variants and proteolytically cleaved and shed forms of RAGE. sRAGE may be a reflection of cell-bound RAGE. Because genetic variation in the RAGE gene may be associated with individual differences in sRAGE concentration and outcome, we investigated whether RAGE single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with circulating levels of sRAGE. Methods: Nine SNPs, covering the common RAGE gene variation, were genotyped in a Dutch cohort of subjects with normal glucose metabolism (n = 301), impaired glucose metabolism (n = 127), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 146). We used linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and glucose metabolism status to compare sRAGE levels across genotypes. Results: SNP rs2060700 (Gly82Ser) showed an association with sRAGE levels. Specifically, after adjustments for age, sex, ...