Association between two polymorphisms of LXRβ gene and risk of metabolic syndrome in an Iranian population

Background and Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease that is contributed by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Identification of genes associated with MetS is important to understand better the development of this disorder. Liver x receptor beta (LXRβ) is a nuclear receptor that acts as a cholesterol sensor and after activation by cholesterol derived ligands regulates the transcription of many target genes involved in cholesterol and lipid metabolism and could be a genetic risk factor for MetS. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association between two genetic variants (rs17373080 and rs1695121) in LXRβ and risk of MetS in an Iranian population. Methods: This study was conducted over a sample of 400 subjects comprised of 200 persons with criteria for the MetS and 200 healthy subjects. Samples were genotyped for two polymorphisms by TaqMan real time PCR, using DNA extracted from whole blood by commercial kits. Anthropometric measurements, fasting glucose and lipid profile were measured by standard methods. Results: Logistic regression model that controlled for age, sex and BMI revealed significant differences between two group for rs2695121 polymorphism (p = 0.03: OR = 0.67: 95% CI = 0.38-1.21) and a significant association was observed between subjects with CT genotype and high blood pressure (p = 0.03). In relative of rs17373080 polymorphism, the CG genotype found to be associated with a lower level of triglyceride in MetS group (p < 0.01) and subjects with recessive GG genotype were characterized by higher fasting blood sugar levels (p < 0.003) and lower systolic blood pressure (p = 0.03). Conclusions: in conclusion these results suggest that LXRβ gene is associated with some MetS related components and may be play a possible role in susceptibility to MetS. Further investigations with larger population are required to arrive at any definite conclusions

liver X receptor beta, Polymorphism, Metabolic syndrome, Genotype