Genetics
CETP variant rs1800777 is linked to greater fat mass, central obesity, and lower HDL cholesterol in obese adults (Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr 2018)
Original title: Association of a cholesteryl ester transfer protein variant (rs1800777) with fat mass, HDL cholesterol levels, and metabolic syndrome
This study analyzed the association of the CETP rs1800777 polymorphism with anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, metabolic syndrome and its components, and adipokine levels in 1005 obese subjects without type 2 diabetes or hypertension, using electrical bioimpedance and biochemical testing. Genotype distribution was 96.3% GG and 3.7% GA, with no AA genotype detected. Fat mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were all significantly higher in A allele carriers than non-carriers (p=0.04, p=0.02, p=0.01 respectively), while HDL-cholesterol was lower in A allele carriers (p=0.04). In logistic regression, the GA genotype was associated with increased risk of central obesity (OR 7.55, 95% CI 1.10-55.70, p=0.02) and low HDL-cholesterol (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.23-4.91, p=0.014). The authors conclude the CETP variant is associated with lower HDL-cholesterol, increased fat mass, and central obesity, suggesting a role in adipose tissue pathophysiology.
Original abstract
Background: There is little evidence of the association between CETP SNPs and obesity and/or related metabolic parameters.
Objective: To analyze the association of the polymorphism rs1800777 of the CETP gene with anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, metabolic syndrome and its components, and adipokine levels in obese subjects without type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypertension.
Design: A population of 1005 obese subjects was analyzed. Electrical bioimpedance was performed, and blood pressure, presence of metabolic syndrome, dietary intake, physical activity, and biochemical tests were recorded.
Results: Nine hundred and sixty eight patients (96.3%) had the GG genotype, 37 patients the GA genotype (3.7%) (no AA genotype was detected). Fat mass (delta: 4.4±1.1kg; p=0.04), waist circumference (delta: 5.6±2.1cm; p=0.02), and waist to hip ratio (delta: 0.04±0.01cm; p=0.01) were higher in A allele carriers than in non-A allele carriers. HDL cholesterol levels were lower in A allele carriers than in non-A allele carriers (delta: 4.2±1.0mg/dL; p=0.04). In the logistic regression analysis, the GA genotype was associated to an increased risk of central obesity (OR 7.55, 95% CI 1.10-55.70, p=0.02) and low HDL cholesterol levels (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.23-4.91, p=0.014).
Conclusion: The CETP variant at position +82 is associated to lower HDL cholesterol levels, increased fat mass, and central obesity in obese subjects. These results may suggest a potential role of this variant gene in pathophysiology of adipose tissue.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.