Polymorphism G1359A of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1): allelic frequencies and influence on cardiovascular risk factors in a multicentre study of Castilla‐Leon

BACKGROUND: A polymorphism (1359 G/A) of the CNR1 gene was reported as a common polymorphism in Caucasian populations and was related to cardiovascular risk factors. The present study aimed to investigate the allelic distribution of polymorphism (G1359A) of the CB1 receptor gene in a geographical area of Spain (Community of Castilla y Leon) and to evaluate the influence of this polymorphism on obesity anthropometric parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in the fasted state in obese patients. METHODS: A population of 341 obese subjects was analysed. Tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance measurement, blood pressure measurement, a serial assessment of nutritional intake with 3 days of written food records and a biochemical analysis were all performed. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy‐seven patients (51.9%) had the genotype G1359G (wild‐type group) and 164 (48.1%) patients were A carriers: G1359A (136 patients; 39.9%) or A1359A (28 patients; 8.2%) (mutant type group). The Health Area of Palencia had a lower frequency of wild‐type genotype and G allelic frequency than all the other Health Areas. Segovia and Burgos Areas had a higher frequency of wild‐type genotype and G allelic frequency than the other Health Areas. High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was higher in the mutant type group and blood tryglicerides were lower in the same group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the novel finding of the present study is the association of the mutant type group G1359A and A1359A with a better lipid profile (triglycerides and HDL cholesterol) than the wild‐type group. The frequencies of this polymorphism are different among Health Areas of Castilla y Leon (Spain).