Regarding soluble CD14, although its levels have been found to be higher in patients with unstable angina [30], in individuals with the metabolic syndrome (which in turn is associated with an increased CHD risk) [21], and in HIV-infected patients (in whom CD14 levels are correlated with atherosclerosis [31] and coronary artery calcification [32]), no significant intergroup differences were found in the present study. This evidence concerns the gene CD14 and atherosclerosis.