Genetics
CETP Taq1B genotype only predicts HDL cholesterol in obese women with low fasting insulin (Atherosclerosis 2002)
Original title: Association between HDL-cholesterol and the Taq1B polymorphism in the cholesterol ester transfer protein gene in obese women
Since CETP activity may be increased in obesity and the Taq1B variant is linked to lower CETP activity and higher HDL-cholesterol in normal-weight subjects, this study examined the relationship between Taq1B genotype and HDL-cholesterol before and after weight loss in 245 obese women (41 with type 2 diabetes), also measuring insulin, glucose, and oral glucose tolerance. Across all subjects combined, Taq1B genotype was not associated with HDL-cholesterol. However, in non-diabetic subjects below the median fasting insulin, a strong linear association was found (B1B1 1.19, B1B2 1.35, B2B2 1.71 mmol/L, P less than 0.000), an association not seen in subjects above median insulin or with type 2 diabetes, before or after weight loss. The authors conclude the B2B2 genotype is associated with elevated HDL-cholesterol only in obese women with low fasting insulin, and improved insulin sensitivity from weight loss did not alter this relationship in the high-insulin or diabetic subgroups.
Original abstract
Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) facilitates reverse cholesterol transport via HDL-C and this activity may be increased in obese subjects. In normal weight subjects the Taq1B variant of the CETP gene is associated with lower CETP activity and higher HDL-C. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the Taq1B polymorphism and HDL-C in obese women before and after weight loss. A total of 245 women (41 with type 2 diabetes) were genotyped for the Taq1B variant. Plasma lipids, insulin, glucose and oral glucose tolerance were also measured before and after weight loss. When all subjects were examined together the Taq1B genotype was not associated with HDL-C. However, when non-diabetic subjects were divided by median fasting insulin, a strong linear association was observed between Taq1B genotype and HDL-C in subjects below median for fasting insulin (B1B1 1.19+/-0.07 mmol/l, B1B2 1.35+/-0.06, B2B2 1.71+/-0.09, P<0.000). This association was not observed in subjects with fasting insulin above median or subjects with type 2 diabetes, either before or after weight loss. Therefore, the B2B2 genotype is associated with elevated HDL-C in obese women with low fasting insulin only. Improved insulin sensitivity during weight loss did not change this relationship in women with high fasting insulin or type 2 diabetes.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.