CD36 gene polymorphism -31118 G > A (rs1761667) is associated with overweight and obesity but not with fat preferences in Mexican children

CD36 polymorphism, sugary drinks, and sedentarism are associated with hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype

Background: The hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype is characterized by concomitant increases in waist circumference (WC) and blood triglyceride levels (TG), which have been identified as a predictor of metabolic disorders. This study aimed to analyze associations between food consumption, exercise, and the CD36 gene rs1761667 G>A polymorphism with the HTGW phenotype in adult Mexicans. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 255 participants (both genders, between 18-64 years of age). The HTGW phenotype was defined as WC >88 cm in women, WC >102 cm in men, and TG >150 mg/dL. Body composition was analyzed by electrical bioimpedance. Dietary intakes (macro and micronutrients) were evaluated through a validated 64-item food frequency questionnaire and a 24-h recall. Physical exercise was subjectively recorded asking the participants if they regularly performed some systematic exercise or sport of moderate intensity at least 150-300 minutes a week. Biochemical tests were determined by an automated system. A Taqman real-time assay was used to detect the rs1761667 (G>A) polymorphism of the CD36 gene. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to analyze the variables potentially associated with the HTGW phenotype (adjusted for age, energy intake, and total fat mass). Results: Overall, 21.6% of the population presented the HTGW phenotype; compared to the HTGW-, also, they were older, had more body fat, higher glucose, cholesterol and insulin levels, and high blood pressure. Female sex (OR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.12-7.60, p=0.028), body mass index (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.32, p=0.001), total cholesterol (OR=1.01, 95% CI:1.00-1.02, p=0.039), daily consumption of sugary drinks (OR=6.94, 95% CI: 1.80-26.8, p=0.005), and the CD36 AG genotype (OR=3.81, 95% CI: 1.08-13.4, p=0.037) were positively associated with the HTGW phenotype, while performing exercise played a protective role (OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.08-0.62, p=0.004). Overall, the model predicted the HTGW phenotype in 47% (R2=0.47, p≤0.001). Conclusion: The CD36 AG genotype, daily consumption of sugary drinks and sedentarism are risk factors for the HTGW phenotype in Mexicans.

[Genetic variants in CD36: emerging role in oral fat perception and food preferences]

Introduction

CD36 is a receptor involved in physiologic, metabolic and pathologic processes. Due to its affinity for long-chain fatty acids, it has been postulated as a taste receptor of fatty taste. In this review, the emerging genetic evidence linking CD36 to oral fat perception is analyzed. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, published articles from 2000 to 2022 were considered. Multiple studies have shown an association of some genetic variants in CD36 with fat foods preferences and it has been suggested that these variants can modify oral fat perception thresholds however the evidence is still heterogeneous; this can be explained by the genetic diversity of populations, the nutritional status and participant's characteristics, as well as other methodological aspects. Other factors involved in oral fat perception were and identified and discussed including the interaction with other flavors, hormones, and epigenetic factors. The conclusion is that the evidence supporting the role of CD36 as a dietary lipid receptor, the role of its genetic variants in fat acids oral perception thresholds and food preferences is intermediate level and more investigations are necessary in other populations with large number of participants as well as considering the interaction between different hormones and the expression of CD36.

CD36 favours fat sensing and transport to govern lipid metabolism

CD36, located on the cell membrane, transports fatty acids in response to dietary fat. It is a critical fatty acid sensor and regulator of lipid metabolism. The interaction between CD36 and lipid dysmetabolism and obesity has been identified in various models and human studies. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which CD36 regulates lipid metabolism and the role of CD36 in metabolic diseases remain obscure. Here, we summarize the latest research on the role of membrane CD36 in fat metabolism, with emphasis on CD36-mediated fat sensing and transport. This review also critically discusses the factors affecting the regulation of CD36-mediated fat dysfunction. Finally, we review previous clinical evidence of CD36 in metabolic diseases and consider the path forward.

Role of CD36 in Palmitic Acid Lipotoxicity in Neuro-2a Neuroblastoma Cells

Elevated level of palmitic acid (PA), a long-chain saturated fatty acid (SFA), is lipotoxic to many different types of cells including Neuro-2a (N2a) neuroblastoma cells. CD36 is a multifunctional membrane glycoprotein that acts as a fatty acid translocase (FAT) facilitating the transport of long-chain free fatty acids (FFAs) into cells, serves a fatty acid (FA) sensing function in areas including taste buds and the proximal gut, and acts as a scavenger receptor that binds to many ligands, including FAs, collagen, oxidized low-density lipoproteins, and anionic phospholipids. However, the involvement of CD36 in FA uptake and PA lipotoxicity in N2a cells remains unclear. In this study, we examined FA uptake in BSA- and PA-treated N2a cells and investigated the involvement of CD36 in FA uptake and PA lipotoxicity in N2a cells. Our data showed that PA treatment promoted FA uptake in N2a cells, and that treatment with sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), a CD36 inhibitor, significantly decreased FA uptake in BSA- and PA-treated N2a cells, and ameliorated PA-induced decrease of cell viability, decrease of diploid cells, and increase of tetraploid cells. We also found that CD36 knockdown significantly decreased FA uptake in both BSA- and PA-treated cells as compared to their corresponding wild-type controls, and dramatically attenuated PA-induced cell cycle defects in N2a cells. Our data suggest that CD36 may play a critical role in FA uptake and PA lipotoxicity in N2a cells. CD36 may therefore represent a regulatory target against pathologies caused by excess FAs.