Association of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (TaqIB) and apolipoprotein E (HhaI) gene variants with obesity

Background The pathophysiology of obesity is known to be influenced by alterations in lipid levels. We aimed to evaluate association of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and apolipoprotein (APO) E gene variants with asymptomatic obesity. Methods A total of 437 subjects, 159 asymptomatic obese (BMI = 29.29 +/- 3.76) and 278 non-obese (BMI = 23.38 +/- 1.71) individuals, were included in this case-control study. Lipid levels were estimated using standard protocols. Analysis of CETP (TaqIB) and APOE (HhaI) gene polymorphisms was done using PCR-RFLP. Results We found significant difference in blood pressure (systolic, P < 0.0001 and diastolic, P < 0.0001), total cholesterol (P < 0.0001), LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.0001), and HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.0001) in obese as compared to non-obese group. Homozygous APO E4E4 genotype was only observed in 5.7% of obese individuals and none in non-obese group. APO E4 allele carriers were also susceptible for obesity (P = 0.016, OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.12-2.68) than non-carriers. Higher blood pressure (Systolic, P = 0.001 and Diastolic, P = 0.004) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.029) were observed in obese subjects with APO E4 allele than individuals without APO E4. However, CETP B1 variant allele carriers did not show alteration in blood pressure and lipid profile in asymptomatic obese subjects. Conclusions APO E4 genotype and allele were found to be associated with asymptomatic obesity, whereas CETP Taq1B polymorphism showed no such association in North Indian subjects.