TLR7 rs2897827 Polymorphism Affects TLR7 Gene mRNA Expression and Serum Apolipoprotein A1 Level of Ischemic Stroke Patients in a Chinese Han Population.

Stroke is a multi-factorial disorder that has become the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Previous studies reported that TLR7 mRNA expression is associated with poor outcome of ischemic stroke (IS). This study aimed to assess whether TLR7 mRNA expression affects IS occurrence, as well as the association of TLR7 rs2897827 with susceptibility to IS and TLR7 mRNA expression and serum apolipoprotein and lipid levels in a Chinese Han population. A total of 816 stroke patients and 816 healthy controls were included in this study. mRNA expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform was used to genotype the TLR7 rs2897827 polymorphism. TLR7 mRNA expression of the IS cases was statistically significantly higher than that of the controls in the male or female group (male, P = 0.014; female, P = 0.025). In the male IS cases, TLR7 mRNA expression of the T allele carriers was statistically significantly higher than that of the C allele carriers (P = 0.018). However, a significant difference was not observed in the female cases (P = 0.545). In either the male or female group, the distribution of genotype or allele had no statistical significance (P > 0.050). The ApoA1 level of the T carriers was statistically significantly higher than the C carriers in males (t = -2.383, P = 0.020); however, the ApoB and lipid levels were not associated with rs2897827 (P > 0.050). In female patients, no significant difference was observed between different genotypic/allelic carriers in serum apolipoprotein and lipid levels (all P > 0.050). The expression of the TLR7 gene may affect IS occurrence. TLR7 gene rs2897827 may influence TLR7 mRNA expression and the plasma ApoA1 level in male IS patients.