Lipid levels are associated with a regulatory polymorphism of the monoamine oxidase-A gene promoter (MAOA-uVNTR).
BACKGROUND
The monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) gene plays a vital role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters, e.g, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. A polymorphism in the promoter region (MAOA-uVNTR) affects transcriptional efficiency. Allelic variation in MAOA-uVNTR has been associated with body mass index (BMI). We extended previous work by examining relations among this polymorphism and serum lipid levels.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 74 males enrolled in a study of caregivers for relatives with dementia. Regression models, adjusted for age, race, group status (caregiver/control), and cholesterol lowering medication (yes/no), were used to examine associations between high verses low MAOA-uVNTR activity alleles and total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL ratio, triglycerides, and BMI.


RESULTS
Higher total cholesterol (p<0.03), LDL/HDL ratio (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.02), and VLDL (p<0.02) were associated with low activity MAOA-uVNTR alleles. HDL and LDL were modestly related to MAOA-uVNTR activity, however, they did not reach the conventional significance level (p<0.07 and p<0.10, respectively). BMI (p<0.74) was unrelated to MAOA-uVNTR transcription.


CONCLUSIONS
The present findings suggest that MAOA-uVNTR may influence lipid levels and individuals with less active alleles are at increased health risk.
Brummett
Beverly H
BH
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. brummett@duke.edu
Boyle
Stephen H
SH
Siegler
Ilene C
IC
Zuchner
Stephan
S
Ashley-Koch
Allison
A
Williams
Redford B
RB
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000483:Alleles; D001483:Base Sequence; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018598:Minisatellite Repeats; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors
D017931:DNA Primers; D008055:Lipids; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase