The effects of beta2 adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism in lipid profiles

Explore the interaction between apolipoprotein E (Apo E), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and beta2 adrenergic receptor (beta2-AR) gene polymorphisms and lipid profiles in an elderly Chinese population.

Five hundred subjects aged 65 to 74 years were randomly selected from a community in southern Taiwan to assess the relationship between Apo E, PLA2 and beta2-AR gene polymorphisms and lipid profiles. Two hundred sixty-seven participants agreed to have venous blood drawn for DNA studies.

Two statistically significant differences were noted in TC and LDL-C in the Gln27Glu of the beta2-AR gene polymorphism (P = 0.007, P = 0.022). The low-income group had a higher HDL-C level (p = 0.076). The Gln27Glu polymorphism Glu/Glu or Gln/Glu subjects had lower TC levels compared to the Gln27Glu polymorphism Gln/Gln subjects (p = 0.092). Lower TC levels (p = 0.082) and lower LDL-C levels (p = 0.045) in subjects with the Cys19Arg16Glu27 haplotype. Lower TC levels (p = 0.06) were also noted in subjects with the Cys19Gly 16Glu27 haplotype. On the other hand, higher VLDL-C levels (p = 0.185) and higher triglyceride (TG) levels (p = 0.190) were noted in subjects with the Cys19Gly 16Gln27 haplotype. The epsilon2 allele combined with low income had a positive effect on HDL-C (p = 0.0011), after adding the income factor in this study.

When the effects of Apo E and PLA2 on lipid profiles were included in this study, beta2-AR gene polymorphisms reduced significant effect on lipid profiles. Similarly, low income increased effect on HDL-C. This study appeared that the results of gene-gene and gene-environment interaction, it should be considered in further studies for lipid profiles.