Variants of the CD36 gene and metabolic syndrome in Boston Puerto Rican adults

Objective: Puerto Ricans experience a high prevalence of several chronic conditions, including metabolic syndrome. Genetic variants of the CD36 gene have been associated with metabolic syndrome. We aimed to determine the association between 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for CD36 and metabolic syndrome and its components in Puerto Ricans (45-75 year) living in the Greater Boston area.

Methods: Associations between each SNP, metabolic syndrome and its components were examined using multivariate logistic regression models. Haplotype trend regression analysis was used to determine associations between haplotypes and metabolic syndrome.

Results: For two SNPs of CD36 (rs1049673 and rs3211931), homozygous subjects of the minor allele (G and T, respectively) were associated with a higher likelihood of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.89 (1.0, 3.5) and 1.77 (1.0, 3.1), respectively) relative to carriers of the major allele. Although CD36 haplotypes were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome overall (global significance, P=0.23), one haplotype (G-C-C vs. C-C-C (reference haplotype)) was marginally associated (P=0.049).

Conclusion: SNPs of CD36 were associated with metabolic syndrome in Puerto Ricans. Prospective studies should further explore the role of CD36 variants in the development of this condition.