Genetic variants at the resistin locus are associated with the plasma resistin concentration and cardiovascular risk factors

ObjectiveTo examine the relation of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the resistin gene on the plasma resistin concentration and cardiovascular risk factors.Methods and resultsPlasma resistin concentrations were measured and SNP − 420C > G, + 157C > T, and + 299G > A genotyped in our Finnish population-based cohort. Association analyses were performed in the control group of the cohort (n = 515). In addition, the hypertension group (n = 505), representing a high-risk group, was analyzed for these SNP's and the frequencies were compared with the low-risk control group. Resistin concentration differed significantly between the SNP genotypes, the common homozygotes having the lowest concentration in every SNP (p < 0.01). After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI SNP − 420C–C homozygotes had the lowest IGFBP-1 (p = 0.001), the highest GHbA1c (p = 0.028) in all the subjects and the lowest quick index (p < 0.001) and the highest insulin (p < 0.001) among female subjects of the control cohort. Plasma triglycerides were the lowest among G–G homozygotes (p = 0.006). In addition, the SNP − 420C allele was more frequent among hypertensive than control cohort (p = 0.018).ConclusionsThe results imply that genetic variation seems to have a role in the determination of plasma resistin level. SNP − 420C–C homozygozity status seems to be associated with more deleterious metabolic profile.