OLR1 Gene Polymorphism and Oxidized LDL Levels in Metabolic Syndrome in Indian Population

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with abnormal lipid profile and high cardiovascular risk. There is an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India. Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor 1(OLR1), a cell surface endocytosis receptor recognize, internalize and degrade oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in vascular endothelium and plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim was to explore the association of OLR1 gene polymorphism and measure the serum levels of ox-LDL in patients with MetS in Indian population.

Forty cases fulfilling the IDF diagnostic criteria for MetS and 40 healthy controls having similar age and sex ratio were genotyped for OLR1 gene (SNP: IVS4-73C>T , rs3736234) by RFLP-PCR. Serum ox-LDL was estimated by ELISA.Their BP, BMI and waist circumference were measured. Fasting Plasma glucose, Serum Triglyceride and HDL-C were measured.

Serum oxLDL was significantly higher in MetS cases as compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Odds ratio of T allele of above OLR1 SNP among subjects with MetS was 14.79 (95%CI: 1.80-121.2, p < 0.05). But no association was found between the SNP and serum ox-LDL levels. People having TT allele had higher BMI compared to those having CC allele.

Ox LDL, being more atherogenic might contribute in the pathogenesis of MetS. The intronic SNP: IVS4-73 C>T of OLR1 gene increases the risk of developing MetS by a yet unknown mechanism that is independent of rise in ox-LDL. This OLR1 SNP probably influences BMI.