The UCP2-866 A/A genotype is associated with low density lipoprotein particle sizes in the general population.
BACKGROUND
It has been reported that a common G-->A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the position -866 of the uncoupling protein-2 promoter (UCP2-866 G/A SNP) modulates UCP2 expression in adipose tissue and pancreatic beta-cell function, and lipid profiles. Reduced low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is a significant predictor of the development for coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the UCP2-866 G/A SNP was associated with serum LDL particle characteristics in a general Japanese population.


METHODS
In 279 subjects (age 65+/-13 years), body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, blood pressure, and blood biochemical profiles were measured. The UCP2-866 G/A SNP was determined with a fluorescence-based allele-specific DNA primer assay system. LDL particle characteristics were analyzed by high-resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.


RESULTS
The frequency of the -866 A allele was 47.8%. There was no difference in triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and small dense LDL levels between genotypes. However, subjects with the -866 A/A genotype had significantly lower mean LDL particle size levels (263.5+/-4.9 angstroms) than those with the -866 G/G genotype (264.6+/-4.9 angstroms, P=0.034). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the -866 A/A genotype was a significant variable contributing to the variance in the reduced LDL particle size levels (P=0.012).


CONCLUSIONS
The -866 A/A genotype may contribute to reduced LDL particle size levels, a significant risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease.
Hamada
Taku
T
Division of Preventive Medicine and Diabetes Education, Clinical Research Institute for Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan.
Kotani
Kazuhiko
K
Fujiwara
Shinji
S
Sano
Yoshiko
Y
Domichi
Masayuki
M
Tsuzaki
Kokoro
K
Takahashi
Kaoru
K
Sakane
Naoki
N
D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000235:genetics*; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D010316:Particle Size; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2
D007473:Ion Channels; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; C000604389:UCP2 protein, human; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2