Genetics
CETP TAQIB and I405V rare alleles are modestly associated with reduced obesity risk in Chinese adults, largely via HDL levels (Acta Diabetol 2009)
Original title: TAQIB and I405V polymorphisms of CETP are moderately associated with obesity risk in the Chinese adult population
In 934 obese and 924 normal-weight Chinese adults, CETP TAQIB was associated with HDL levels (P less than 0.001), while I405V was associated with LDL (P=0.03) and total cholesterol (P=0.007). Less common alleles of both TAQIB and I405V were associated with decreased obesity risk, with further odds reduction in carriers of rare homozygous alleles at both loci (OR 0.659, P=0.02). The TAQIB B2 allele was associated with reduced hip circumference (P=0.034) and triceps skinfold thickness (P=0.045), though this effect disappeared after adjusting for HDL levels, while 405V's associations with reduced hip circumference, body fat, and skinfold thickness were only partially weakened by the same adjustment, indicating TAQIB's obesity association works entirely through HDL while I405V's effect is only partly HDL-dependent.
Original abstract
Associations between the TAQIB and I405V polymorphisms and obesity risk were studied for a single locus as well as in combination. A total of 934 obese subjects and 924 normal controls were included in the study. TAQIB was associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P < 0.001), while I405V was associated with levels of low-density lipoprotein (P = 0.03) and total cholesterol (P = 0.007). Less common alleles of TAQIB and I405V were associated with decreased obesity risk and further drops in odds ratio (OR) were observed in carriers with rare homozygous alleles on both loci (OR = 0.659, P = 0.02). The TAQIB B2 allele was associated with reductions in both hip circumference (P = 0.034) and triceps skinfold thickness (TST) (P = 0.045), although this effect was completely abolished after controlling for HDL levels. The 405V variant was associated with reductions in hip circumference (P = 0.031), body fat composition (P = 0.039) and TST (P = 0.036); these effects were weakened (P < 0.1) after controlling for HDL levels. In conclusion, less common alleles of TAQIB and I405V appear to be modestly associated with obesity risk in an adult Chinese population. Adjustments for HDL levels completely (TAQIB) or partially (I405V) abolished the observed association.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.