Gender-specific associations of the APOA1 −75G>A polymorphism with several metabolic syndrome components in Turkish adults

Variations in the apolipoprotein A-1 (APOA1) gene, a determinant of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoA-I levels, may contribute to cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated the effects of a promoter polymorphism (−75G>A) in the APOA1 gene on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in a Turkish population sample. Randomly selected 1515 Turkish adults (age 49.9±11.8years, 785 females) were genotyped for −75G>A polymorphism using hybridization probes in Real-Time PCR LC480 device. MetS and atherogenic dyslipidemia were defined using the criteria of ATP III. The −75AA genotype prevailed in 3.9% of men and 2.4% of women, and was independently associated with significantly higher HDL-C concentrations. Independent associations with the −75GA genotype existed only in men: higher diastolic and systolic blood pressure (BP) levels (pA polymorphism is independently related to HDL-C concentrations. Independent associations of the −75GA genotype with elevated BP and atherogenic dyslipidemia were confined to men. These gender-modulated associations suggest novel gene–gender–environmental interactions. •Gender specific association of APOA1 gene with MetS traits risk.•75G>A polymorphism influences serum HDL-C levels among Turkish adults.•APOA1 −75GA genotype is independently related to atherogenic dyslipidemia.•Male −75A allele carriers had significantly higher diastolic BP.•Gender-modulated associations suggest novel gene-gender-environmental interactions.