Genetics
CETP TaqIB polymorphism shows no link to metabolic syndrome in Southern Thai subjects (Biochem Genet 2015)
Original title: Studies of the CETP TaqIB and ApoE Polymorphisms in Southern Thai Subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome
Researchers examined whether the CETP TaqIB polymorphism and the ApoE polymorphism are associated with metabolic syndrome in 378 subjects from Southern Thailand, divided into 121 with and 257 without metabolic syndrome by NCEP ATP III criteria. Logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex, found no association between CETP TaqIB or ApoE variants and metabolic syndrome. However, the ApoE epsilon4 allele was significantly associated with increased odds of reduced HDL cholesterol compared with epsilon3 (odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI, 1.11-3.29, p = 0.020). The authors conclude that CETP TaqIB and ApoE polymorphisms are not genetic risk factors for metabolic syndrome in this Southern Thai population, though the association of the epsilon4 allele with low HDL-C may predispose to metabolic disturbances.
Original abstract
Several genetic factors have been investigated responsible for metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) TaqIB and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphisms and MetS in 378 subjects from Southern Thailand. Subjects were divided into MetS+ (n = 121) and MetS- (n = 257) groups according to the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII). The CETP TaqIB and ApoE polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Logistic regression analysis revealed no association of CETP TaqIB and ApoE variants with MetS, after adjustment for age and sex. However, ε4 allele had a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) of reduced high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels when compared with ε3 allele (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.11-3.29, p = 0.020). This suggests that CETP TaqIB and ApoE polymorphisms may not be considered as genetic risk factors for MetS in a Southern Thai population. However, ε4 allele which is associated with one metabolic component, low HDL-C levels, might predispose the subjects to develop metabolic disturbances.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.