Association of genetic variants with myocardial infarction in Japanese individuals with metabolic syndrome

Genetic polymorphism of fatty acid binding protein-2 in hyperlipidemic Asian Indians in North India

BACKGROUND

Fatty acid binding protein-2 (FABP-2) is involved in the metabolism of lipids in the intestine. FABP-2 Ala54Thr polymorphism involves a transition of G to A at codon 54 of FABP-2, resulting in an amino acid substitution Ala54 to Thr54 and is associated with elevated fasting triglycerides in some hyperlipidemic populations. In current genome builds and gene databases the variant of the Ala54Thr FABP-2 (rs 1 799 883) is annotated as c.163A>G (p. Thr55Ala).

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

The status of this polymorphism in hyperlipidemic Asian Indians from North India has not been investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the distribution of the polymorphic variants of the Ala54Thr FABP-2 and their association with lipids in hyperlipidemic subjects.

METHODS

Ala54Thr FABP-2 polymorphism in both hyperlipidemic (n = 210) and normolipidemic (n = 342) subjects was assessed by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

Ala54Thr genotypes and alleles distribution did not differ between the hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic groups. The heterozygous genotype FABP-2 Ala/Thr was significantly associated with higher levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins as compared to the homozygous variant (Thr/Thr) genotype and the wild type homozygous (Ala/Ala) genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterozygous genotype FABP-2 Ala54Thr is a risk factor for the development of hypertriglyceridemia and increased levels of VLDL-c in Asian Indians from North India.

Associations of the Polymorphisms in ADIPOQ with Circulating Levels of Adiponectin and Lipids: A Meta-Analysis

The relationships between the rs266729, rs1501299, and rs2241766 polymorphisms in adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) and circulating levels of adiponectin and lipids remain to be clarified. Databases including PubMed and Embase were searched for eligible studies. The random-effects model was used, and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the differences in circulating levels of adiponectin and lipids between the subjects with different genotypes. A total of 12 810, 17 319, and 21 361 subjects were identified in the analyses for the rs266729, rs1501299, and rs2241766 polymorphisms, respectively. G allele carriers of the rs266729 polymorphism had lower levels of adiponectin (SMD=-0.28, 95% CI=-0.43 to-0.12) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD=-0.10, 95% CI=-0.17 to-0.02) than CC homozygotes; T allele carriers of the rs1501299 polymorphism had higher levels of adiponectin (SMD=0.21, 95% CI=0.05 to 0.36) and HDL-C (SMD=0.09, 95% CI=0.04 to 0.15) and lower levels of triglycerides (SMD=-0.06, 95% CI=-0.12 to-0.01) than GG homozygotes; G allele carriers of the rs2241766 polymorphism had lower levels of adiponectin (SMD=-0.18, 95% CI=-0.31 to-0.05) and HDL-C (SMD=-0.12, 95% CI=-0.20 to-0.04) than TT homozygotes. This meta-analysis suggests that the rs266729, rs1501299, and rs2241766 polymorphisms of ADIPOQ are significantly associated with circulating levels of adiponectin and lipids, which may partly explain the associations between these polymorphisms and coronary artery disease.

Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia Is Associated with the Variant 54 Threonine FABP2 Gene

Purpose: Fasting or postprandial hypertriglyceridemia is considered an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. The intestinal fatty acid binding protein (FABP2) is involved in the intracellular transport and metabolism of fatty acids. The presence of the Ala54Thr polymorphism of the FABP2 gene appears to be involved in postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. We explored the possible association of the Ala54Thr polymorphism with fat intolerance in apparently healthy, fasting, normolipidemic subjects with normal body-mass index and without diabetes. Methodology: A total of 158 apparently healthy individuals were classified as fat tolerant (n = 123) or intolerant (n = 35) according to their response (plasma triglycerides) to an oral abbreviated tolerance test with blood samples taken at 0, 2 and 4 h. At 0 h, all subjects ingested 26.3 g of fats. Presence of the Ala54Thr polymorphism of the FABP2 gene was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction⁻restriction fragment length (PCR⁻RFLP). Results: The group with fat intolerance (postprandial hypertriglyceridemia group) showed an increased frequency of the Thr54Thr genotype when compared with the group with normal fat tolerance (control group) (23% vs. 4%, respectively, OR: 16.53, 95% CI: 4.09⁻66.82, p: 0.0001, pc: 0.0003). Carriers of at least one Thr54 allele were up to six times more prevalent in the fat intolerant group than in the non-carriers. (OR: 6.35; 95% CI: 1.86⁻21.59, p: 0.0003, pc: 0.0009). The levels of plasma triglycerides (Tg) at 4 h after the test meal were higher in carriers of at least one 54Thr allele than in carriers of the Ala54 allele (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There is a significant association between postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and the presence of at least one 54Thr allele of the FABP2 gene. In addition, subjects with this genotype showed an increased ratio of Tg/HDL-cholesterol. This parameter is a marker of increased CVD risk and insulin resistance.

Associations between two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2241766 and rs1501299) of ADIPOQ gene and coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms were indicated to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in diabetic patients, however, published studies reported inconsistent results. We performed this meta-analysis to reach a more accurate estimation of the relationship between two common ADIPOQ genetic polymorphisms (rs2241766 and rs1501299) and CAD risk in diabetic patients. Eligible studies were retrieved by searching PubMed, Embase, Wangfang, VIP database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Included and excluded criteria were formulated. The case group was diabetic patients with CAD, and the control group was diabetic subjects without CAD. Summary odds rations (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate ADIPOQ polymorphisms associations with CAD risk in diabetic group. Heterogeneity was evaluated by Q statistic and I² statistic. A total of twelve published articles, involving 3996 cases and 8876 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results from rs1501299 polymorphism showed decreased risk in homozygote model (TT VS GG: OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.54-0.83). Heterogeneity was detected in our study. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted in the meta-analysis. For rs2241766 polymorphism, an increased risk was detected in Caucasian subgroup in heterozygote model (CT VS TT: OR=1.19, 95%CI=1.00-1.42). In genotyping method (PCR-RFLP) subgroup, an increased risk was found in recessive model (GG VS GT+TT: OR=2.05, 95%CI=1.23-3.39). In the sensitivity analysis of rs1501299, decreased risk was detected in allelic model (T VS G: OR=0.86, 95%CI=0.76-0.98) and recessive model (TT VS TG+GG: OR=0.47, 95%CI=0.33-0.67). Publication bias is not observed in our results. Our meta-analysis suggests that the rs1501299 polymorphism may play a protective role in CAD in diabetic patients. The rs2241766 polymorphism is found to be associated with a significant increase in CAD risk in Caucasian and genotyping method (PCR-RFLP) subgroups. Further studies are needed to confirm the prediagnostic effect of the two gene polymorphisms in CAD risk in diabetic patients.

Genetic predictors of obesity development

The most common reasons that cause obesity are eating disorders (overeating), genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise), disorders of the endocrine system, and environmental factors. There is evidence of an obvious relationship of high consumption of sugary drinks and weight gain. Since 1990, there has been considerable growth in the number of obese people in the first place associated with the promotion of soft drinks. According to a study in Finnish diabetes prevention average physical activity and change of diet (1200-1800 kcal) of total fat intake with less than 30% saturated fat, including less than 10%, leading to long-term loss of excess weight (within 4 years). Many studies have demonstrated the impossibility of a single template approach to the determination of optimal diets for patients with overweight and obesity which has been shown in various studies on gene polymorphisms are associated with obesity, and their interaction. This article provides an overview of current data on the genetics of obesity covering the main provisions of the study of candidate genes, such as PPARG, FABP2, ADRB 2, ADRB3. The role nutrigenetics in the creation of individual programs of weight control and weight loss. But the question of the direct role of genetic factors in the development of obesity remains controversial, since one can not ignore the impact of environmental factors, such as lifestyle, diet, physical activity, stress, and harmful habits. To understand the mechanism of the relationship between genetic factors, environmental factors, and obesity, one needs to carry out research not only on the population level, but also in certain groups of people (ethnic, racial, age).

Single nucleotide polymorphism rs3774261 in the AdipoQ gene is associated with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Northeast Han Chinese population: a case-control study

Background

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of death in the world with a projected global 82 million DALYs by 2020. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to CHD development. Here, the authors investigate the association between CHD risk and three Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AdipoQ gene (rs3774261, rs1063537 and rs2082940); and the interaction of this association with environmental factors, in Northeast Han Chinese population.

Methods

Using a case–control study design, 1514 participants (754 cases and 760 controls) were investigated. Three variants in the AdipoQ gene (rs3774261, rs1063537 and rs2082940) were selected and genotyped. The online SNPstats program and SPSS 21.0 software were used for data analyses.

Results

The authors found that the rs3774261G allele is associated with the risk of CHD but that the rs2082940T allele protects against CHD. No significant association was found between rs1063537 and CHD risk. The study also found significant interactions between triglyceride levels and the SNPs studied (P < 0.0001 for rs3774261, P = 0.014 for rs1063537, and P = 0.031 for rs2082940).

Conclusions

Variations in AdipoQ gene can protect against CHD (as with rs2082940T) or associated with CHD risk (as with rs3774261G) in Northeast Han Chinese – findings that will help shed light on the reported conflicting roles of AdipoQ in cardiovascular diseases. Serum triglycerides levels also interact in the AdipoQ – CHD association, thus further highlighting the roles environmental factors play in the genetic aspect of diseases.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCII. Urotensin II, urotensin II-related peptide, and their receptor: from structure to function

Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic neuropeptide that was first isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract the hindgut. Subsequently, UII was characterized in tetrapods including humans. Phylogenetic studies and synteny analysis indicate that UII and its paralogous peptide urotensin II-related peptide (URP) belong to the somatostatin/cortistatin superfamily. In mammals, the UII and URP genes are primarily expressed in cholinergic neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. UII and URP mRNAs are also present in various organs notably in the cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems. UII and URP activate a common G protein-coupled receptor, called UT, that exhibits relatively high sequence identity with somatostatin, opioid, and galanin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues including the retina, heart, vascular bed, lung, kidney, adrenal medulla, and skeletal muscle. Structure-activity relationship studies and NMR conformational analysis have led to the rational design of a number of peptidic and nonpeptidic UT agonists and antagonists. Consistent with the wide distribution of UT, UII has now been shown to exert a large array of biologic activities, in particular in the CNS, the cardiovascular system, and the kidney. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning the pleiotropic actions of UII and discusses the possible use of antagonists for future therapeutic applications.

Association of genetic variants with hypertension in a longitudinal population-based genetic epidemiological study

We previously identified 9 genes and chromosomal region 3q28 as susceptibility loci for Japanese patients with myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or chronic kidney disease by genome-wide or candidate gene association studies. In the present study, we investigated the possible association of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at these 10 loci with the prevalence of hypertension or their association with blood pressure (BP) in community-dwelling individuals in Japan. The study subjects comprised 6,027 individuals (2,250 subjects with essential hypertension, 3,777 controls) who were recruited into the Inabe Health and Longevity Study, a longitudinal genetic epidemiological study on atherosclerotic, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The subjects were recruited from individuals who visited the Health Care Center of Inabe General Hospital for an annual health checkup, and they are followed up each year (mean follow-up period, 5 years). Longitudinal analysis with a generalized estimating equation and with adjustment for age, gender, body mass index and smoking status revealed that rs2116519 of family with sequence similarity 78, member B (FAM78B; P=0.0266), rs6929846 of butyrophilin, subfamily 2, member A1 (BTN2A1; P= 0.0013), rs146021107 of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1; P=0.0031) and rs1671021 of lethal giant larvae homolog 2 (Drosophila) (LLGL2; P=0.0372) were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the prevalence of hypertension. Longitudinal analysis with a generalized linear mixed-effect model and with adjustment for age, gender, body mass index and smoking status among individuals not taking anti-hypertensive medication revealed that rs6929846 of BTN2A1 was significantly associated with systolic (P=0.0017), diastolic (P=0.0008) and mean (P=0.0005) BP, and that rs2116519 of FAM78B, rs146021107 of PDX1 and rs1671021 of LLGL2 were significantly associated with diastolic (P=0.0495), systolic (P=0.0132), and both diastolic (P=0.0468) and mean (0.0471) BP, respectively. BTN2A1 may thus be a susceptibility gene for hypertension.

Association of genetic variants with dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease in a longitudinal population-based genetic epidemiological study

We previously identified 9 genes and chromosomal region 3q28 as susceptibility loci for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Japanese individuals by genome-wide or candidate gene association studies. In the present study, we examined the association of 13 polymorphisms at these 10 loci with the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, hyper-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolemia, hypo-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolemia, or CKD in community-dwelling Japanese individuals. The study subjects comprised 6,027 individuals who were recruited to the Inabe Health and Longevity Study, a longitudinal genetic epidemiological study of atherosclerotic, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The subjects were recruited from individuals who visited the Health Care Center at Inabe General Hospital for an annual health checkup, and they were followed up each year (mean follow‑up period, 5 years). Longitudinal analysis with a generalized estimating equation and with adjustment for covariates revealed that rs6929846 of butyrophilin, subfamily 2, member A1 gene (BTN2A1) was significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (P=0.0001), hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (P=0.0004), and CKD (P=0.0007); rs2569512 of interleukin enhancer binding factor 3 (ILF3) was associated with hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (P=0.0029); and rs2074379 (P=0.0019) and rs2074388 (P=0.0029) of alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1) were associated with CKD. Longitudinal analysis with a generalized linear mixed-effect model and with adjustment for covariates among all individuals revealed that rs6929846 of BTN2A1 was significantly associated with the serum concentrations of triglycerides (P=0.0011), LDL cholesterol (P=3.3 x 10(-5)), and creatinine (P=0.0006), as well as with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P=0.0004); rs2569512 of ILF3 was shown to be associated with the serum concentration of LDL cholesterol (P=0.0221); and rs2074379 (P=0.0302) and rs2074388 (P=0.0336) of ALPK1 were shown to be associated with the serum concentration of creatinine. Similar analysis among individuals not taking any anti‑dyslipidemic medication revealed that rs6929846 of BTN2A1 was significantly associated with the serum concentrations of triglycerides (P=8.3 x 10‑5) and LDL cholesterol (P=0.0004), and that rs2569512 of ILF3 was associated with the serum concentration of LDL cholesterol (P=0.0010). BTN2A1 may thus be a susceptibility gene for hypertriglyceridemia, hyper‑LDL cholesterolemia and CKD in Japanese individuals.

Association of genetic variants with coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke in a longitudinal population-based genetic epidemiological study

Our previous studies identified nine genes and chromosomal region 3q28 as susceptibility loci for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or chronic kidney disease by genome-wide or candidate gene association studies. As coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke may share genetic architecture, certain genetic variants may confer susceptibility to the two diseases. The present study examined the association of 13 polymorphisms at these 10 loci with the prevalence of CAD or ischemic stroke in community-dwelling individuals, with the aim of identifying genetic variants that confer susceptibility to the two conditions. Study subjects (170 with CAD, 117 with ischemic stroke and 5,718 controls) were recruited to the Inabe Health and Longevity Study, a longitudinal genetic epidemiological study of atherosclerotic, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The subjects were recruited from individuals who visited for an annual health checkup and they were followed up each year (mean follow-up period, 5 years). Longitudinal analysis with a generalized estimating equation, and with adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia and the serum concentration of creatinine, revealed that rs2074380 (G→A) and rs2074381 (A→G) of the α-kinase 1 (ALPK1) gene and rs8089 (T→G) of the thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) gene were significantly (P<2×10^-16) associated with the prevalence of CAD, with the AA genotype of rs2074380 and GG genotypes of rs2074381 and rs8089 being protective against this condition. Similar analysis revealed that rs9846911 (A→G) at chromosome 3q28, rs2074381 of ALPK1, rs8089 of THBS2 and rs6046 (G→A) of the coagulation factor VII gene were significantly (P<2×10^-16) associated with the prevalence of ischemic stroke, with the GG genotypes of rs9846911, rs2074381 and rs8089 and the AA genotype of rs6046 being protective against this condition. ALPK1 and THBS2 may thus be susceptibility loci for CAD and ischemic stroke.

Association of genetic variants of the α-kinase 1 gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a longitudinal population-based genetic epidemiological study

Previously, our studies identified nine genes and the chromosomal region 3q28 as susceptibility loci for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or chronic kidney disease in individuals by genome-wide or candidate gene association studies. The present study examined the possible association of 13 polymorphisms at these 10 loci with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in community-dwelling individuals. Study subjects comprised 6,027 individuals (797 subjects with type 2 DM and 5,230 controls) who were recruited to the Inabe Health and Longevity Study, a longitudinal genetic epidemiological study of atherosclerotic, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The subjects were recruited from individuals who visited for an annual health checkup and they were followed up each year (mean follow-up, 5 years). Longitudinal analysis with a generalized estimating equation and with adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI) revealed that rs2116519 (C→T) of FAM78B (P=0.0188), as well as rs2074379 (G→A, P=0.0121) and rs2074388 (A→G, P=0.0053) of ALPK1 were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the prevalence of type 2 DM. Longitudinal analysis with a generalized linear mixed-effect model and with adjustment for age, gender and BMI among all the individuals revealed that rs2116519, rs2074379 and rs2074388 were significantly associated with fasting plasma glucose level (P=0.0352, 0.0017 and 0.0010, respectively) and to blood glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A_1c) content (P=0.0065, 0.0090 and 0.0079, respectively). Similar analysis among individuals not taking antidiabetic medication revealed that rs2074379 and rs2074388 were associated with the fasting plasma glucose level (P=0.0073 and 0.0042, respectively) and blood hemoglobin A_1c content (P=0.0142 and 0.0126, respectively), whereas rs2116519 was associated with blood hemoglobin A_1c content only (P=0.0470). ALPK1 may thus be a susceptibility gene for type 2 DM.

Association between Pro12Ala, Pvull, Avall, Sstl and ADIPOQ single-nucleotide polymorphisms with lipid and glycemic profiles of patients with Berardinelli-Seip syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Berardinelli-Seip syndrome (BSS) is a recessive autosomal genetic disorder characterized by the near loss of adipose tissue with disturbance in lipid metabolism.

METHODS

Biochemical and hormonal parameters and Pro12Ala, Pvull, Avall, Sstl and ADIPOQ polymorphisms in 22 patients with BSS were analyzed and examined for a possible association with lipid profiles.

RESULTS

Parental consanguinity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus were observed in 63.6, 81.8 and 59.1% of patients, respectively. All individuals presented high triglyceride levels, and 68.1% of patients showed high cholesterol levels. The Pro/Pro genotype of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ2 gene was found in 86.3% of patients; the Ala/Ala variant was not observed in any patient. The PvuII polymorphism of the LPL gene showed a frequency of 50% for the P1P2 variant. The AvaII polymorphism of the LDLR gene showed a similar frequency of 40.9% for both CT and TT variants. The S1S1 genotype of the Sstl polymorphism of the APOC3 gene had a frequency of 86.3%. The CC allele of the ADIPOQ polymorphism of the adiponectin gene was found in 54.6% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

No association was found between lipid parameters and the relevant Pvull, Avall and Sstl polymorphisms. However, we did observe an association of the Pro12Ala and ADIPOQ polymorphisms with higher lipid levels, suggesting a close relationship between these factors.

The evaluation of endothelin 1 (EDN1) and endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) gene polymorphisms in Hashimoto's thyroiditis

PURPOSE

Endothelin1 (EDN1) is well established marker of inflammation. The functions of EDN1 are mediated mainly by endothelin receptors type A (EDNRA). The etiopathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) remains still elusive although the role of chronic inflammation and subsequent endothelial dysfunction has been established. This study examined firstly the possible association of EDN1 (G5665Tand T-1370G) and EDNRA (C+70G and G-231A) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the occurrence of HT, and evaluates the relationship between genotypes and clinical/laboratory manifestation of HT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed genotype and allele distributions of above mentioned polymorphisms in 163 patients with HT and 181 healthy controls by real-time PCR combined with melting curve analysis.

RESULTS

No significant associations between HT and variant alleles of EDN1 5665 and -1370, as well as EDNRA +70 and -231 SNPs were found. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that there was a strong (D'=0.76, r(2)=0.487) and weak (D'=0.403, r(2)=0.086) linkage disequilibrium (LD) between EDN1 -1370 and 5665, and between EDNRA -231 and +70 SNPs, respectively. However, haplotype frequencies in patients were similar to those in controls. In addition, it was observed that the EDNRA +70 G allele had protective effect against early (at age before 40 years) disease onset of HT (OR: 0.51, 95% CI=0.32-0.79, p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Although no significant associations between susceptibility to HT with EDN1 5665 and -1370, as well as with EDNRA+70 and -231 SNPs were found, EDNRA +70 polymorphism was related with decreased risk for early onset HT.

FABP2 gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome in elderly people of croatian descent

Introduction:

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder in which dyslipidemia plays an important role. Fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP 2) is responsible for transport of free fatty acids in the intestinal endothelium cells. FABP2-genetic variants might affect plasma lipid concentrations and intracellular lipid transport. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between FABP2 Ala54Thr genetic polymorphism and metabolic syndrome and some biochemical and anthropological parameters in elderly subjects.

Materials and methods:

This cross-sectional study included 140 men and 176 women older than 70 years. Fasting serum concentration of glucose, lipid parameters, total proteins and C-reactive protein were determined by standardized methods. Presence (MetS(+)) or absence (MetS(−)) of MetS was determined according to criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. FABP2 genetic polymorphism Ala54Thr (rs1799883) was genotyped with PCR-RFPL.

Results:

The genotype frequencies for Ala/Ala, Ala/Thr and Thr/Thr genotype were 60, 36 and 6 in MetS(−), and 131, 70 and 13 in MetS(+), respectively, without statistical significance (P = 0.567). Ala/Ala genotype was a subgroup of non-carriers, while Ala/Thr and Thr/Thr genotypes were Thr54-carriers. Median triglyceride concentration was significantly lower in carriers then in non-carriers for whole MetS(+) group (P = 0.050); there were no significant difference between men with MetS (P = 0.144), but there was a difference between women with MetS (P = 0.020). T-test showed that mean HDL cholesterol concentrations in MetS(+) group for Thr54-carriers was significantly higher in whole group (P = 0.001), and for both genders (men P = 0.039; women P = 0.004) as compared to non-carriers.

Conclusions:

FABP2 genetic polymorphism is associated with lower triglyceride and higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations in elderly subjects with MetS. This genetic variation might be a useful marker for understanding dyslipidemia in MetS.

Association between polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis

Background

Previous studies have examined the associations between polymorphisms of adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but those studies have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to access the relationship between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), +45 T > G (rs2241766), +276 G > T (rs1501299) and -11377 C > G (rs266729) in ADIPOQ and CVD.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all studies on the association of ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms with CVD risk. The fixed and random effect pooled measures (i.e. odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)) were calculated in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Q test and the I². Publication bias was estimated using modified Egger’s linear regression test.

Results

Thirty-seven studies concerning the associations between the three polymorphisms of ADIPOQ gene and CVD risk were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 6,398 cases and 10,829 controls for rs2241766, 8,392 cases and 18,730 controls for rs1501299 and 7,835 cases and 14,023 controls for rs266729. The three SNPs were significantly associated with CVD, yielding pooled ORs of 1.22 (95%CI: 1.07, 1.39; P = 0.004), 0.90 (95%CI: 0.83, 0.97; P = 0.007) and 1.09(95%CI: 1.01, 1.17; P = 0.032) for rs2241766, rs1501299 and rs266729, respectively. Rs2241766 and rs1501299 were significantly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), yielding pooled ORs of 1.29 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.52; P = 0.004) and 0.89 (95%CI: 0.81, 0.99; P = 0.025), respectively. The pooled OR for rs266729 and CHD was 1.09 (95%CI: 0.99, 1.19; P = 0.090). Significant between-study heterogeneity was found in our meta-analysis. Evidence of publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis showed that the associations between rs2241766, rs1501299 and rs266729 in the ADIPOQ and CVD were significant but weak. High quality studies are still needed to confirm the associations, especially for rs2241766.

Pathway-based genome-wide association analysis of coronary heart disease identifies biologically important gene sets

Genome-wide association (GWA) studies of complex diseases including coronary heart disease (CHD) challenge investigators attempting to identify relevant genetic variants among hundreds of thousands of markers being tested. A selection strategy based purely on statistical significance will result in many false negative findings after adjustment for multiple testing. Thus, an integrated analysis using information from the learned genetic pathways, molecular functions, and biological processes is desirable. In this study, we applied a customized method, variable set enrichment analysis (VSEA), to the Framingham Heart Study data (404,467 variants, n=6421) to evaluate enrichment of genetic association in 1395 gene sets for their contribution to CHD. We identified 25 gene sets with nominal P<0.01; at least four sets are previously known for their roles in CHD: vascular genesis (GO:0001570), fatty-acid biosynthetic process (GO:0006633), fatty-acid metabolic process (GO:0006631), and glycerolipid metabolic process (GO:0046486). Although the four gene sets include 170 genes, only three of the genes contain a variant ranked among the top 100 in single-variant association tests of the 404,467 variants tested. Significant enrichment for novel gene sets less known for their importance to CHD were also identified: Rac 1 cell-motility signaling pathway (h_rac1 Pathway, P<0.001) and sulfur amino-acid metabolic process (GO:0000096, P<0.001). In summary, we showed that the pathway-based VSEA can help prioritize association signals in GWA studies by identifying biologically plausible targets for downstream searches of genetic variants associated with CHD.

Association of ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease risk: a meta-analysis based on 12 465 subjects

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Various researchers have investigated the role of ADIPOQ gene in the risk of CAD, yet their results have been inconsistent.

METHODS

To evaluate the association between ADIPOQ genetic polymorphisms and CAD risk, relevant studies published before October 2011 were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE. Studies were selected using previously defined criteria. The strength of the relationship between the four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADIPOQ gene and CAD risk was assessed using odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

A total of 12 465 subjects from 17 case-control studies were identified in the present study. Based on the relevant studies, it was determined that the risk of CAD was not associated with rs2241766 in any genetic model. Increased risk of CAD was associated with rs266729 in allele contrast (1.11, [1.03, 1.20]) and dominant genetic model (1.15, 95%CI: [1.05, 1.27]); increased risk of CAD was also associated with rs822395 in additive (1.63, 95%CI: [1.19, 2.22]) and recessive genetic model (1.71, 95%CI: [1.27, 2.30]). It was further determined that the rs1501299 polymorphism reduced the risk of CAD in the additive (0.80, 95%CI: [0.67, 0.94]) and recessive genetic model (0.81, 95%CI: [0.68, 0.95]). In the stratified analysis, significant associations were found in Asian subjects for rs266729 and in Caucasian subjects for rs1501299.

CONCLUSION

There is an association between ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms and CAD risk. Different SNPs of the ADIPOQ gene have different associations with CAD risk, and appear to increase risk in individuals of Asian ethnicity while decrease the CAD risk in Caucasians. However, the overall strength of association was mild to moderate.

Genome-wide association study for intracranial aneurysm in the Japanese population identifies three candidate susceptible loci and a functional genetic variant at EDNRA

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is the most serious subtype of stroke. Genetic factors have been known to play an important role in the development of intracranial aneurysm (IA), some of which further progress to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify common genetic variants that are associated with the risk of IA, using 1383 aSAH subjects and 5484 control individuals in the Japanese population. We selected 36 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that showed suggestive association (P <1 × 10(-4)) in the GWAS as well as additional 7 SNPs that were previously reported to be associated with IA, and further genotyped an additional set of 1048 IA cases and 7212 controls. We identified an SNP, rs6842241, near EDNRA at chromosome 4q31.22 (combined P-value = 9.58 × 10(-9); odds ratio = 1.25), which was found to be significantly associated with IA. Additionally, we successfully replicated and validated rs10757272 on CDKN2BAS at chromosome 9p21.3 (combined P-value = 1.55 × 10(-7); odds ratio = 1.21) to be significantly associated with IA as previously reported. Furthermore, we performed functional analysis with the associated genetic variants on EDNRA, and identified two alleles of rs6841581 that have different binding affinities to a nuclear protein(s). The transcriptional activity of the susceptible allele of this variant was significantly lower than the other, suggesting that this functional variant might affect the expression of EDNRA and subsequently result in the IA susceptibility. Identification of genetic variants on EDNRA is of clinical significance probably due to its role in vessel hemodynamic stress. Our findings should contribute to a better understanding of physiopathology of IA.

Association between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease across different populations

OBJECTIVE

Many studies have suggested that adiponectin gene might be involved in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, the authors performed a meta-analysis to assess the associations of +45T/G, +276G/T and -11377C/G polymorphisms in adiponectin gene with CAD susceptibility.

METHODS

Published literature from PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects model.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (4394 cases / 8187 controls) for +45T/G polymorphism, fifteen studies (3569 cases / 7463 controls) for +276G/T polymorphism, and thirteen studies (3531 cases / 7072 controls) for -11377C/G polymorphism were included in the meta-analysis. The overall results showed that there was a statistically significant association between -11377C/G polymorphism and CAD (G vs. C: OR=1.15, 95%CI 1.07-1.24).Similar results were observed among European (G vs. C: OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.02-1.20) and East Asian populations (G vs. C: OR=1.27, 95%CI 1.11-1.45). However, no significant association was found for +45T/G or +276G/T polymorphism with CAD susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis indicated the significant association of -11377C/G polymorphism, but not +45T/G or +276G/T polymorphism, with CAD susceptibility. However, large-scale studies with the consideration of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions should be conducted to investigate the associations in future.

A closer look at the role of urotensin II in the metabolic syndrome

Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide that was first discovered in the teleost fish, and later in mammals and humans. UII binds to the G protein coupled receptor GPR14 (now known as UT). UII mediates important physiological and pathological actions by interacting with its receptor. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is described as cluster of factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance (IR), further leading to development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. UII levels are upregulated in patients with the MetS. Evidence directly implicating UII in every risk factor of the MetS has been accumulated. The mechanism that links the different aspects of the MetS relies primarily on IR and inflammation. By directly modulating both of these factors, UII is thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of the MetS. Moreover, UII also plays an important role in hypertension and hyperlipidemia thereby contributing to cardiovascular complications associated with the MetS.

Meta-analysis on the effect of the Ala54Thr polymorphism of the fatty acid-binding protein 2 gene on body mass index

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The results from studies published on the association of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) Ala54Thr polymorphism with body mass index (BMI) are conflicting. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the association of the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism with BMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched for articles published prior to June 2009 using PubMed, HugeNavigator and China National Knowledge Internet. The languages were limited to English and Chinese. Data on BMI were collected. A pooled weighted mean difference (WMD), together with 95% confidence interval (CI), was used for this meta-analysis. A total of 27 studies with 10 974 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled effect for dominant, recessive and co-dominant model comparisons did not suggest the significant association between the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism and BMI in overall populations: WMD(fixed effects)=-0.00, 95% CI: (-0.16 to 0.15), p=0.99, WMD(random effects)=-0.00, 95% CI: (-0.16 to 0.15), p=0.99, p(Q)=0.77, I(2)=0%, WMD(fixed effects)=-0.12, 95% CI: (-0.39 to 0.14), p=0.35, WMD(random effects)=-0.12, 95% CI: (-0.39 to 0.14), p=0.35, p(Q)=0.47, I(2)=0% and WMD(fixed effects)=0.07, 95% CI: (-0.11 to 0.25), p=0.45, WMD(random effects)=0.07, 95% CI: (-0.11 to 0.25), p=0.45, p(Q)=0.90, I(2)=0%, respectively. The results from the comparisons of ThrThr versus AlaAla and AlaThr versus AlaAla showed no evidence that the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism is significantly associated with BMI in overall populations (p>0.05). All the results from the subgroup analyses for these genetic models comparisons were not significant (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis does not support the association between the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism and BMI.

APOE and FABP2 Polymorphisms and History of Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, Diabetes, and Gallbladder Disease

Dysfunctional lipid metabolism plays a central role in pathogenesis of major chronic diseases, and genetic factors are important determinants of individual lipid profiles. We analyzed the associations of two well-established functional polymorphisms (FABP2 A54T and APOE isoforms) with past and family histories of 1492 population samples. FABP2-T54 allele was associated with an increased risk of past history of myocardial infarction (odds ratio (OR) = 1.51). Likewise, the subjects with APOE4, compared with E2 and E3, had a significantly increased risk of past history myocardial infarction (OR = 1.89). The OR associated with APOE4 was specifically increased in women for past history of myocardial infarction but decreased for gallstone disease. Interactions between gender and APOE isoforms were also significant or marginally significant for these two conditions. FABP2-T54 allele may be a potential genetic marker for myocardial infarction, and APOE4 may exert sex-dependent effects on myocardial infarction and gallbladder disease.

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies from the CHARGE consortium identifies common variants associated with carotid intima media thickness and plaque

Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and plaque determined by ultrasonography are established measures of subclinical atherosclerosis that each predicts future cardiovascular disease events. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association data in 31,211 participants of European ancestry from nine large studies in the setting of the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium. We then sought additional evidence to support our findings among 11,273 individuals using data from seven additional studies. In the combined meta-analysis, we identified three genomic regions associated with common carotid intima media thickness and two different regions associated with the presence of carotid plaque (P < 5 × 10(-8)). The associated SNPs mapped in or near genes related to cellular signaling, lipid metabolism and blood pressure homeostasis, and two of the regions were associated with coronary artery disease (P < 0.006) in the Coronary Artery Disease Genome-Wide Replication and Meta-Analysis (CARDIoGRAM) consortium. Our findings may provide new insight into pathways leading to subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events.

Association analysis of urotensin II gene (UTS2) and flanking regions with biochemical parameters related to insulin resistance

Background

Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, which signals through a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) known as GPR14 or urotensin receptor (UTR). UII exerts a broad spectrum of actions in several systems such as vascular cell, heart muscle or pancreas, where it inhibits insulin release.

Objective

Given the reported role of UII in insulin secretion, we have performed a genetic association analysis of the UTS2 gene and flanking regions with biochemical parameters related to insulin resistance (fasting glucose, glucose 2 hours after a glucose overload, fasting insulin and insulin resistance estimated as HOMA).

Results and Conclusions

We have identified several polymorphisms associated with the analysed clinical traits, not only at the UTS2 gene, but also in thePER3 gene, located upstream from UTS2. Our results are compatible with a role for UII in glucose homeostasis and diabetes although we cannot rule out the possibility that PER3 gene may underlie the reported associations.

Genetic effects of adiponectin on blood lipids and blood pressure

OBJECTIVE

Results from the published studies on the association of adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms with blood lipids and blood pressure are conflicting. We investigated the association of three ADIPOQ polymorphisms, +45 T > G (rs2241766), +276 G > T (rs1501299) and -11377 C > G (rs266729), with these traits in this meta-analysis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 35 studies in this meta-analysis. Dominant models were used for this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We did not detect a significant association of the -11377 C > G polymorphism with blood lipids or blood pressure (P > 0·05). The association of the +45 T > G polymorphism with blood lipids and blood pressure was, similarly, not significant (P > 0·05). The meta-analysis suggested a significant overall association of the +276 G > T polymorphism with lower levels of total cholesterol: weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0·10, 95% confidence interval (CI, -0·17, -0·03), P = 0·005, P(heterogeneity)  = 0·04. This association was marginally significant in East Asians and East Asians with type 2 diabetes: WMD = -0·10, 95% CI (-0·20, 0·00), P = 0·05, P(heterogeneity)  = 0·002, and WMD = -0·09, 95% CI (-0·18, -0·00), P = 0·05, P(heterogeneity)  = 0·80, respectively. After exclusion of a study that was the source of heterogeneity, the association was significant in overall populations and marginally significant in East Asians: WMD= -0·06, 95% CI (-0·11, -0·01), P = 0·01, P(heterogeneity)  = 0·98, and WMD = -0·06, 95% CI (-0·12, 0·00), P = 0·07, P(heterogeneity)  = 0·83, respectively. However, none of these associations were significant after Bonferroni correction (significant threshold: P < 0·003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis does not suggest any association of the three ADIPOQ polymorphisms with blood lipids and blood pressure.

Low plasma adiponectin concentration is associated with myocardial infarction in young individuals

OBJECTIVE

The importance of adiponectin in coronary heart disease remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the associations between plasma adiponectin levels and i) myocardial infarction and ii) genetic variation within the adiponectin gene were investigated.

METHODS

The study included young survivors (age <60 years) of a first myocardial infarction and gender- and age-matched controls (244 pairs). Adiponectin concentrations were analysed by radioimmunoassay. Two polymorphisms, rs266729 and rs1501299, of the adiponectin gene ADIPOQ were genotyped.

RESULTS

Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with myocardial infarction [odds ratio (OR) 9.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.7-18.2, for the lowest quartile compared to the highest quartile]. This persisted after adjustment for history of hypertension, HDL cholesterol, smoking and body mass index (BMI) (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-7.6). The rs266729 polymorphism was associated with adiponectin levels. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were lower in individuals with the rare G/G genotype [median 4.3 mg/L, [corrected] interquartile range (IQR) 2.8-6.2] compared to the C/G (median 5.8 mg/L), [corrected] IQR 3.9-8.0; P = 0.035) and C/C genotypes (median 5.5 mg/L, [corrected] IQR 4.0-7.5; P = 0.083).

CONCLUSION

Low plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with myocardial infarction in individuals below the age of 60, and this remains significant after adjustment for history of hypertension, HDL cholesterol, smoking and BMI. In addition, adiponectin levels differ according to rs266729 genotype.

Association of the fatty acid-binding protein 2 gene Ala54Thr polymorphism with insulin resistance and blood glucose: a meta-analysis in 13451 subjects

BACKGROUND

The results from the published studies on the association of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) Ala54Thr polymorphism with insulin resistance and blood glucose are conflicting. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the association of the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism with insulin resistance and blood glucose.

METHODS

We collected data on fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin, 2-h blood glucose (2-h BG) and 2-h insulin (2-h insulin), and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index. A dominant model was used for this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies with 13 451 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The carriers of Thr54 allele have significantly higher homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index and marginally higher fasting insulin than the non-carriers: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI, 0.02, 0.12), p = 0.007, p(heterogeneity) = 0.19 and SMD = 0.08, 95% CI (-0.01, 0.17), p = 0.07, p(heterogeneity) < 0.00001, respectively. A borderline significant association between the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism and an increased 2-h BG was also detected under the dominant model: SMD = 0.10, 95% CI (0.00, 0.20), p = 0.05, p(heterogeneity) = 0.09. In addition, a borderline association between this polymorphism and an increased fasting blood glucose in populations of other ethnic origins was detected under the dominant model: SMD = 0.11, 95% CI (-0.00, 0.23), p = 0.06, p(heterogeneity) = 0.03.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests that the Thr54 allele of the FABP2 Ala54Thr is weakly associated with a higher degree of insulin resistance, higher level of fasting insulin and higher level of 2-h BG. Our meta-analysis also suggests a weak association between this polymorphism and an increased fasting blood glucose in populations of other ethnic origins under the dominant model.