Genetic variants in lipid metabolism are independently associated with multiple features of the metabolic syndrome
2011

Genetic Variants in Lipid Metabolism and Metabolic Syndrome

Sample size: 3575 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cécile M Povel, Jolanda MA Boer, Sandra Imholz, Martijn ET Dollé, Edith JM Feskens

Primary Institution: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)

Hypothesis

Are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to multiple features of the metabolic syndrome?

Conclusion

Two SNPs associated with lipid metabolism were linked to low HDL-cholesterol levels and abdominal obesity, suggesting a genetic basis for their co-occurrence.

Supporting Evidence

  • Two SNPs were significantly associated with low HDL-cholesterol and abdominal obesity.
  • The association between these SNPs and metabolic syndrome features was partly independent.
  • Findings suggest a genetic link between lipid metabolism and obesity.

Takeaway

Some genes can affect both cholesterol levels and body fat, which helps explain why people with low cholesterol often have belly fat.

Methodology

The study measured 373 SNPs in 3575 subjects and analyzed associations with metabolic syndrome features using log-linear models.

Limitations

Blood samples were taken from non-fasting subjects, which may have affected glucose measurements.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 20-59, from a rural area in the Netherlands.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.69; 0.86

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-511X-10-118

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