Is there any association of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome in a young population of Croatian origin?

Sex-specific differences in the association between APOE genotype and metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and older rural Indians

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, significantly increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases. This study focuses on understanding the sex-specific association between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism and MetS among middle-aged and older adults in rural southern India.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Centre for Brain Research-Srinivaspura Aging, Neuro Senescence, and COGnition (CBR-SANSCOG) study. Participants (n = 3741) underwent comprehensive clinical assessments and blood investigations, including APOE genotyping. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and the Consensus criteria. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, ANCOVA, and logistic regression, were conducted to explore the association of APOE genotype with MetS and its components, stratified by sex.

Results

Females carrying the APOE E4 allele had 1.31-fold increased odds of MetS (95 % CI: 1.02,1.69, p = 0.035) according to the NCEP ATP III criteria but not when the Consensus criteria were applied. The study also noted sex-specific differences in the association of APOE with various MetS components, including lipid levels and waist circumference.

Discussion

Our findings reveal a sex-specific association between the APOE E4 allele and MetS, with only females having an increased risk. This study contributes to the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of MetS and highlights the importance of considering sex-specific differences in MetS research and its prevention strategies. This study underscores the complexity of MetS etiology and emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in its progression, particularly in sex-specific contexts.

Metabolic syndrome and its association with the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII)® in a Croatian working population

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global public health concern, although its association with the inflammatory potential of the diet is still indefinite. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the association of MetS and its components with the inflammatory potential of the diet in a Croatian working population with sedentary occupations.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, Croatian workers (n = 366) self-administrated questionnaires for sociodemographic and health-related data. Their anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected for evaluation of MetS. The inflammatory potential of the diet was assessed with a Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII)^® , scored using dietary data collected from a food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, education, smoking, physical activity and energy intake, was used to establish the association between DII and MetS.

RESULTS

MetS prevalence was 25% and was significantly associated with a pro-inflammatory diet [mean (SD) 3.28 (1.45); P < 0.01]. The pro-inflammatory diet was statistically associated with women, university degree, moderate physical activity, snacking between meals, central obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, MetS prevalence and lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a statistically positive association for a one-unit increase in the DII and MetS prevalence (odds ratio = 2.31; 95% confidence interval = 1.61-3.31; P < 0.01) and hypertension (odds ratio = 1.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.64; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Further longitudinal studies in different parts of Croatia, including inflammation biomarkers, are needed to enable a more defined view of the inflammatory potential of a diet and its association with various inflammatory-based health conditions. The results obtained in the present study indicate the need for the development of anti-inflammatory dietary interventions for population health protection.