G1359A polymorphism in the cannabinoid receptor-1 gene is associated with metabolic syndrome in the Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies suggest that endocannabinoids modulate food intake and lipogenesis through cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1). This study aims to determine the association between G1359A polymorphism of CNR1 and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A total of 382 subjects at risk for MetS and 136 healthy subjects from Tianjin, China were genotyped for the G1359A polymorphism of CNR1 using TaqMan assay. Anthropometric measurements and serum analyses were done for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, serum triglycerides (TG), serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and plasma insulin levels.

RESULTS

GG genotype of CNR1 has a higher incidence in MetS subjects than in control subjects. Logistic regression analysis shows that the GG genotype was significantly associated with the increased risk of developing MetS (OR 2.204, 95% CI 1.277-3.803, p = 0.005). Compared with CNR1 GG genotype in MetS subjects, CNR1 GA and AA genotypes in subjects with MetS had relatively lower levels of BMI, waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and TG.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the G1359A polymorphism of the CNR1 gene may contribute to MetS susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.