Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome Linked to Mutations on CD36

Researchers have linked SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) mutations on gene CD36 to symptoms of metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to increased risk of development of heart disease or diabetes.

Investigators at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO, USA) concentrated on chromosome seven's CD36 gene, as it produces a cell surface protein distributed throughout many tissues, including fat cells, the digestive tract, heart, and skeletal muscle that facilitates the use of fatty acids for energy. They evaluated 36 SNPs across CD36 in a population sample of 2020 African-Americans for impact on the symptoms of metabolic syndrome such as high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose, elevated blood triglyceride levels, and reduced levels of HDL cholesterol.

Results published in the June 1, 2008, issue of the journal Human Molecular Genetics showed that five SNPs were more common in people who have symptoms of metabolic syndrome, but a sixth had a more favorable metabolic effect. This "protective” SNP induced reduced production of CD36 protein.

"A bit less CD36 protein may improve your risk profile, but people need some CD36 function,” said senior author Dr. Nada A. Abumrad, professor of medicine and obesity research at Washington University School of Medicine. "It is like requiring a certain level of fat in the diet. Fatty acids are important for optimal function of many tissues — from pancreatic beta cells to skeletal muscle to the heart — but too much fat creates a problem.”


Related Links:
Washington University School of Medicine