Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein 493-T variant is associated with resistin levels and C-reactive protein.
BACKGROUND
The microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) is a heterodimeric lipid transfer protein that consists of a large unique 97-kDA subunit and protein disulfide isomerase. MTP is involved in the assembly of apoB-containing lipoprotein and enables the secretion of VLDLs by the liver and chylomicrons by the intestine. The MTP gene is highly polymorphic. The less common T variant has been associated with the reduction of plasma LDL-cholesterol levels and with an increased risk in coronary heart disease. We hypothesized that MTP polymorphism could be associated to LDL-cholesterol levels and proinflammatory cytokines, such as resistin.


RESULTS
The -493G/T MTP gene polymorphism was investigated in 290 subjects. Subjects carrying the TT genotype had lower level of LDL-cholesterol and higher serum resistin levels than individual carrying one or two copies of the -493G allele. After adjustments for age, BMI, waist circumference, alcohol intake and exercise levels, a significant direct association was evident between hs-CRP and resistin levels and the presence of the TT genotype in a multiple regression model.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the notion that the rare MTP-493T/T genotype is associated both with higher levels of inflammatory parameters and with low levels of LDL-cholesterol. Prospective data are needed to investigate if the association between CVD and the MTP-493T/T genotype might be due to the increased sub-clinical proinflammatory state associated with this mutation.
Gambino
Roberto
R
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy. roberto.gambino@unito.it
Bo
Simona
S
Musso
Giovanni
G
Uberti
Barbara
B
Alemanno
Natalina
N
Ghione
Federica
F
Guidi
Sabrina
S
Tiozzo
Elisa
E
Chiusano
Valentina
V
Gentile
Luigi
L
Durazzo
Marilena
M
Pagano
Gianfranco
G
Cassader
Maurizio
M
D000483:Alleles; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D052243:Resistin / Q000097:blood*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA