Variation in the ADIPOQ gene promoter is associated with carotid intima media thickness independent of plasma adiponectin levels in healthy subjects

• Published in: European heart journal 2008-02, Vol.29 (3), p.386-393
• Main Authors: Patel, Sheila, Flyvbjerg, Allan, Kozàkovà, Michaela, Frystyk, Jan, Ibrahim, Ibrahim M., Petrie, John R., Avery, Peter J., Ferrannini, Ele, Walker, Mark
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adiponectin; Adiponectin - blood; Adiponectin - genetics; ADIPOQ gene; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - blood; Cardiology. Vascular system; Carotid Arteries - anatomy & histology; Carotid Arteries - diagnostic imaging; Carotid intima media thickness; Female; Genetics; Haplotypes - genetics; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide - genetics; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tunica Intima - anatomy & histology; Tunica Intima - diagnostic imaging; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehm526

Aims The ADIPOQ gene encodes the protein adiponectin, and decreased circulating adiponectin levels have been observed in cardiovascular disease. We investigated the role of the ADIPOQ gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) A-11426G, G-11391A, C-11377G, and T45G with plasma adiponectin levels and common carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT) in a cohort of healthy subjects participating in the RISC (Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular disease) study. Methods and results Anthropometric and metabolic assessment and B-mode ultrasound of the carotid IMT were measured in 1306 subjects [589 men; 717 women, mean ± SD age 43.8 ± 8.3 years, BMI 25.5 ± 4.0 kg/m2] recruited from 19 centres in 14 European countries. Carriers of the −11426G allele and homozygous carriers of the −11391G allele had significantly lower plasma adiponectin levels. These relationships remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, recruitment centre, and BMI. Carriers of SNP −11377G allele had significantly greater IMT values compared with C allele homozygotes [geometric mean (interquartile range) 601 (543–665) vs. 590 (537–647) μm, P = 0.021]. This relationship became stronger after correcting for key covariates, including plasma adiponectin levels (P = 0.011). Conclusion Variation within the ADIPOQ gene promoter is directly associated with carotid IMT in healthy subjects and is independent of circulating adiponectin levels.