Differences in Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Metabolic Disturbances between Genotypes in an Ethnically Homogenous Postmenopausal Female Population from Poland.

(1) Vitamin D deficiency and changes in the endocrine system may stimulate systemic inflammation. VDR expression and the vitamin D concentration decrease with age, which is important in postmenopausal women for whom estrogen deficiency causes rapid bone loss. This group is, moreover, particularly at risk of developing atherosclerosis and its adverse consequences, such as chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the differentiation by the genotype of the risk factors for so-called chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic disorders. (2) We studied the differences between the anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammation parameters of genotypes for , , , and in a sample of 321 women aged 50-60 from an ethnically homogeneous urban population in Poland. (3) The TT genotype presented a significantly higher rate of insulin resistance (HOMA) and lower serum levels of adiponectin than the other two genotypes. The AA genotype of the polymorphism was associated with a more atherogenic serum profile and significantly higher LDL and LDL/HDL values and Castelli Index. (4) Chronic low-grade inflammation was associated with the TT genotype and presented a higher rate of insulin resistance. The AA genotype of the polymorphism presented a more atherogenic serum lipid profile and, therefore, a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.